Hydroxamic and carboxylic acid derivatives having MMP and TNF inhibitory activity

ABSTRACT

Hydroxamic and carboxylic acid derivatives having MMP and TNF inhibitory activity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/209,627, filed Dec. 11, 1998, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/908,397, filed Aug. 7, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to hydroxamic and carboxylic acid derivatives, and to their use in medicine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Metalloproteinases, including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), (human fibroblast) collagenase, gelatinase and TNF convertase (TACE), and their modes of action, and also inhibitors thereof and their clinical effects, are described in WO-A-9611209, WO-A-9712902 and WO-A-9719075, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. MMP inhibitors may also be useful in the inhibition of other mammalian metalloproteinases such as the adamalysin family (or ADAMs) whose members include TNF convertase (TACE) and ADAM-10, which can cause the release of TNFα from cells, and others, which have been demonstrated to be expressed by human articular cartilage cells and also involved in the destruction of myelin basic protein, a phenomenon associated with multiple sclerosis.

[0004] Compounds which have the property of inhibiting the action of metalloproteinases involved in connective tissue breakdown, such as collagenase, stromelysin and gelatinase, have been shown to inhibit the release of TNF both in vitro and in vivo. See Gearing et al (1994), Nature 370:555-557; McGeehan et al (1994), Nature 370:558-561; GB-A-2268934; and WO-A-9320047. All of these reported inhibitors contain a hydroxamic acid zinc-binding group, as do the imidazole-substituted compounds disclosed in WO-A-9523790. Other compounds that inhibit MMP and/or TNF are described in WO-A-9513289, WO-A-9611209, WO-A-96035687, WO-A-96035711, WO-A-96035712 and WO-A-96035714.

[0005] WO-A-9718188 discloses MMP inhibitors of the formula

Ph¹-Ph²-X—(CH₂)₀₋₆—(CZ)₀₋₁-(CHR¹)₀₋₁—CO—NHOH

[0006] wherein Ph¹ and Ph² are each optionally-substituted phenyl; X is absent, O, NH or S, Z is —CONR²R³; and R¹ is H, alkyl, alkenyl, OH, optionally-substituted phenylalkyl or phenyl-SO₀₋₂-alkyl, or alkyl-COOR⁷.

[0007] EP-A-0780386 discloses compounds having MMP and TNF inhibitory activity, of the formula

Y—CO—CR¹R²—CR³R⁴—S(O)_(n)R⁵

[0008] wherein n is 0, 1 or 2; Y is OH or NHOH; R¹ is H or lower alkyl; R² is H, lower alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, arylheteroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroarylheteroalkyl, heterocyclo, heterocyclo-lower alkyl, heterocyclo-lower heteroaryl or NR⁶R⁷; R³ is H, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl, heteroaralkyl, heteroalkyl or lower alkoxy; R⁴ is H, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl or cycaloalkylalkyl; and R⁵ is lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl.

[0009] Compounds of EP-A-0780386 first disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 8939, filed Dec. 20, 1995, are of the same formula, wherein R¹ is H; R² is H, lower alkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocyclo or NR⁶R⁷; R³ is H, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl or aralkyl; R⁴ is H or lower alkyl; and R⁵ is lower alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or heteroaralkyl.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,964 discloses certain benzhydryl sulphinyl hydroxamates, as having utility in neuropsychic ailments.

[0011] Zayed et al, Zeitschrift für Naturforschung (1966) 180-182, discloses 3-phenylsulphonylpropanoic acid N-hydroxyamide, as a fungicide.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The invention encompasses novel compounds of formula (I) which are useful inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases and/or TNFα-mediated diseases, including degenerative diseases and certain cancers.

[0013] Novel compounds according to the invention are of the general type represented by formula (I):

B—X—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹—(CH₂)_(m)—COY   (I)

[0014] wherein m and n are both independently 0 or 1, but are not both 0;

[0015] X is O, NR³ or S(O)₀₋₂;

[0016] Y is OR² or NHOH;

[0017] R¹ is H or a group (optionally substituted with R⁹) selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl;

[0018] R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0019] R³ is H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, COR², CON(R²)₂ where each R² is the same or different, CO₂R⁴ or SO₂R⁴, and

[0020] R⁴ is C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0021] B is C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, any of which groups is optionally substituted by a substituent selected from R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁵, aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), and the groups:

[0022] provided that B is not benzhydryl when X is SO and R¹ is H;

[0023] R⁵ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, halogen, CN, NO₂, N(R⁶)₂, OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸ or SO₂N(R⁶)₂,

[0024] R⁶ is H or a group selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂, and for each case of N(R⁶)₂ the R⁶ groups are the same or different or N(R⁶)₂ is heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂;

[0025] R⁷ is COR⁶, CON(R⁶)₂, CO₂R⁸ or SO₂R⁸;

[0026] R⁸ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl; and

[0027] R⁹ is OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SO₂N(R⁶)₂, phthalimido, succinimido or the group

[0028] and the salts, solvates, hydrates, protected amino and protected carboxy derivatives thereof;

[0029] provided that the compound is not 3-phenylsulfonylpropanoic acid N-hydroxy amide.

[0030] Combinations of substituents and/or variables are only permissible if such combinations result in stable compounds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Preferred compounds of the invention are those wherein any one or more of the following apply:

[0032] X is S, SO or SO₂;

[0033] R¹ is H or a group (optionally substituted with R⁹) selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl;

[0034] B is C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, aryl or heteroaryl, any of which groups is optionally substituted by a substituent selected from R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵ cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), and the groups:

[0035] R⁵ is halogen, CN, NO₂, N(R⁶)₂, OR⁶, COR⁶, CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, or S(O)₀₋₂R⁸;

[0036] R⁷ is COR⁶; and

[0037] R⁹ is OR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, phthalimido, succinimido or the group

[0038] One group of compounds of the invention is represented by the formula (Ib)

B—X—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹—(CH₂)_(m)—COY   (Ib)

[0039] wherein

[0040] m is 0;

[0041] n is 1;

[0042] X is SO₂;

[0043] Y is NHOH;

[0044] R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl optionally substituted with R⁹;

[0045] R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0046] B is C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted by R⁵;

[0047] R⁵ is OR⁶;

[0048] R⁶ is a group selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂, and for each case of N(R⁶)₂ the R⁶ groups are the same or different or N(R⁶)₂ is heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂;

[0049] R⁷ is COR⁶, CON(R⁶)₂, CO₂R⁸ or SO₂R⁸;

[0050] R⁸ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl; and

[0051] R⁹ is phthalimido, succinimido or the group

[0052] and the salts, solvates, hydrates, protected amino and protected carboxy derivatives thereof;

[0053] R¹ in compounds of formula (Ib) is preferably optionally substituted ethyl, propyl or isopropyl. Especially preferred is where R¹ is isopropyl or R¹ is propyl substituted by R⁹, where R⁹ is in particular the group:

[0054] In compounds of this type each R² group is preferably methyl.

[0055] In compounds of formula (Ib), B is preferably substituted ethyl, propyl or butyl, especially substituted propyl.

[0056] One preferred group of compounds of formula (Ib) s where R⁶ is optionally substituted aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl. Particular R⁶ groups of interest are optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, cycloburyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methyl-cyclobutyl, methyl-cyclopentyl, methyl-cyclohexyl, ethyl-cyclobutyl, ethyl-cyclopenyl or ethyl-cyclohexyl, especially optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl, cyclohexyl or methyl-cyclohexyl.

[0057] When R⁶ in compounds of formula (Ib) is substituted, it is preferably substituted by R⁸, particularly where R⁸ is phenyl, OR⁸, particularly where OR⁸ is OCH₃, F, Cl, Br, I or CN, especially phenyl, OCH₃ or Cl.

[0058] In another embodiment of the invention, a particular group of compounds is presented by the formula (Ic):

B—X—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹—(CH₂)_(m)—COY   (Ic)

[0059] wherein

[0060] m is 0;

[0061] n is 1;

[0062] X is SO₂;

[0063] Y is NHOH;

[0064] R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with R⁹;

[0065] R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0066] B is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted by a substituent selected from R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁵, aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), and the groups:

[0067] R⁵ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, halogen, CN, NO₂, N(R⁶)₂, OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸ or SO₂N(R⁶)₂;

[0068] R⁶ is H or a group selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂, and for each case of N(R⁶)₂ the R⁶ groups are the same or different or N(R⁶)₂ is heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂;

[0069] R⁷ is COR⁶, CON(R⁶)₂, CO₂R⁸ or SO₂R⁸;

[0070] R⁸ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl; and

[0071] R⁹ is phthalimido, succinimido or the group

[0072] and the salts, solvates, hydrates, protected amino and protected carboxy derivatives thereof;

[0073] R¹ in compounds of formula (Ic) is preferably substituted ethyl or propyl.

[0074] Each R² group is in particular methyl.

[0075] In compounds of formula (Ic), B is especially optionally substituted phenyl, furanyl, thiophenyl or pyridyl or pyridyl-N-oxide, especially optionally substituted phenyl, pyridyl or pyridyl-N-oxide.

[0076] One preferred group of compounds of formula (Ic) is where R⁵ is OR⁶ or COR⁶. R⁶ compounds of this type is in particular optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, especially optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl. Particular R⁶ groups are optionally substituted methyl, phenyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl, pyridyl-N-oxide, methyl-pyridyl, ethyl-pyridyl, methyl-furanyl, ethyl-furanyl, methyl-thiophenyl or ethyl-thiophenyl, especially optionally substituted methyl, phenyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl, pyridyl-N-oxide, or methyl-pyridyl.

[0077] When R⁶ in compounds of formula (Ic) is substituted, it is in particular substituted by OR⁸, particularly where OR⁸ is OCH₃, F, Cl, Br, I or CN especially F, Cl or CN.

[0078] A further group of compounds of the invention is represented by the formula (Id)

B—X—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹—(CH₂)_(m)—COY   (Id)

[0079] wherein

[0080] m is 0;

[0081] n is 1;

[0082] X is SO₂;

[0083] Y is NHOH;

[0084] R¹ is H or a group (optionally substituted with R⁹) selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl;

[0085] R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0086] B is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is substituted by R⁵;

[0087] R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0088] R⁵ is OR^(6a), S(O)₁₋₂R⁸ or NR⁶R⁷;

[0089] R⁶ is H or a group selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂;

[0090] R^(6a) is selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂, or R^(6a) is C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂;

[0091] R⁷ is CON(R⁶)₂, or SO₂R⁸;

[0092] R⁸ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl; and

[0093] R⁹ is OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SO₂N(R⁶)₂, phthalimido, succinimido or the group

[0094] and the salts, solvates, hydrates, protected amino and protected carboxy derivatives thereof;

[0095] R¹ in compounds of formula (Id) is in particular optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl. Especially preferred is isopropyl.

[0096] In compounds of formula (Id), B is preferably substituted aryl, especially substituted phenyl.

[0097] A preferred group of compounds has the formula (Ic) wherein R⁵ is NR⁶R⁷. Especially preferred is where R⁷ is CON(R⁶)₂. In compounds of this type, R⁶ is in particular a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group, especially a hydrogen atom.

[0098] Another group of compounds of the invention is represented by the formula (Ie):

B—X—(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹—(CH₂)_(m)—COY   (Ie)

[0099] wherein

[0100] m is 0;

[0101] n is 1;

[0102] X is SO₂;

[0103] Y is NHOH;

[0104] R¹ is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted with R⁹;

[0105] R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

[0106] B is heteroaryl optionally substituted by a substituent selected from R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁵, aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R₅, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), and the groups:

[0107] R⁵ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, halogen, CN, NO₂, N(R⁶)₂, OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸ or SO₂N(R⁶)₂;

[0108] R⁶ H is or a group selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂, and for each case of N(R⁶)₂ the R⁶ groups are the same or different or N(R⁶)₂ is heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂;

[0109] R⁷ is COR⁶, CON(R⁶)₂, CO₂R⁸ or SO₂R⁸;

[0110] R⁸ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl; and

[0111] R⁹ is OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸, SO₂N(R⁶)₂, phthalimido, succinimido or the group

[0112] and the salts, solvates, hydrates, protected amino and protected carboxy derivatives thereof;

[0113] R¹ in compounds of formula (Ie) is in particular optionally substituted aryl. R¹ is especially phenyl.

[0114] In compounds of formula (Ie), B is in particular optionally substituted furanyl, thiophenyl or pyridyl, especially optionally substituted thiophenyl. Especially preferred is where B is thiophenyl.

[0115] The compounds of the Examples are particularly preferred.

[0116] It will be appreciated that the compounds according to the invention can contain one or more asymmetrically substituted carbon atoms. The presence of one or more of these asymmetric centres in a compound of formula (I) can give rise to stereoisomers, and in each case the invention is to be understood to extend to all such stereoisomers, including enantiomers and diastereomers, and mixtures including racemic mixtures thereof.

[0117] As used in this specification, alone or in combination, the term “C₁₋₆ alkyl” refers to straight or branched chain alkyl moiety having from one to six carbon atoms, including for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, hexyl and the like.

[0118] The term “C₂₋₆ alkenyl” refers to a straight or branched chain alkyl moiety having two to six carbon atoms and having in addition one double bond, of either E or Z stereochemistry where applicable. This term would include for example, vinyl, 1-propenyl, 1- and 2-butenyl, 2-methyl-2-propenyl etc.

[0119] The term “cycloalkyl” refers to a saturated alicyclic moiety having from three to six carbon atoms and includes for example cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and the like. “Benzofused cycloalkyl” includes indanyl and tetrahydronaphthyl.

[0120] The term “heterocycloalkyl” refers to a saturated heterocyclic moiety having from three to six carbon atoms and one or more heteroatom from the group N, O, S and includes for example azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidinyl and the like. “Benzofused hetercycloalkyl” includes indolinyl and tetrahydroquinolinyl.

[0121] The term “cycloalkenyl” refers to an alicyclic moiety having from three to six carbon atoms and having in addition one double bond. This term would include for example cyclopentenyl or cyclohexenyl

[0122] The term “heterocycloalkenyl” refers to an alicyclic moiety having from three to six carbon atoms and one or more heteroatoms from the group N, O, S and having in addition one double bond. This term includes, for example, dihydropyranyl.

[0123] The term “aryl” means an optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl group with the substituent(s) being selected, for example, from halogen, trifluoromethyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl, alkoxy, phenyl and the like.

[0124] The term “heteroaryl” refers to aromatic ring systems of five to ten atoms of which at least one atom is selected from O, N and S, and includes for example furanyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl, indolyl, quinolyl and the like.

[0125] The term “alkoxy” refers to a straight chain or branched chain alkoxy group containing a maximum of six carbon atoms, such as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, tert-butoxy and the like.

[0126] The terms “halogen” means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

[0127] The terms “protected amino” and “protected carboxy” mean amino and carboxy groups which can be protected in a manner familiar to those skilled in the art. For example, an amino group can be protected by a benzyloxycarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, acetyl or like group, or may be in the form of a phthalimido or like group. A carboxyl group can be protected in the form of a readily-cleavable ester such as the methyl, ethyl, benzyl or tert-butyl ester.

[0128] Salts of compounds of formula (I) include pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, for example acid addition salts derived from inorganic or organic acids, such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, p-toluenesulphonates, phosphates, sulphates, perchlorates, acetates, trifluoroacetates, propionates, citrates, malonates, succinates, lactates, oxalates, tartrates and benzoates.

[0129] Salts may also be formed with bases. Such salts include salts derived from inorganic or organic bases, for example alkali metal salts such as magnesium or calcium salts, and organic amine salts such as morpholine, piperidine, dimethylamine or diethylamine salts.

[0130] When the “protected carboxy” group in compounds of the invention is an esterified carboxyl group, it may be a metabolically-labile ester of formula CO₂R¹⁰ where R¹⁰ may be an ethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, phenylpropyl, α- or β-naphthyl, 2,4-dimethylphenyl, 4-tert-butylphenyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 1-(benzyloxy)benzyl, 1-(benzyloxy)ethyl, 2-methyl-1-propionyloxypropyl, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzyloxymethyl or pivaloylmethyl group.

[0131] Compounds of the general formula (I) may be prepared by any suitable method known in the art and/or by the following processes.

[0132] It will be appreciated that, where a particular stereoisomer of formula (I) is required, the synthetic processes described herein may be used with the appropriate homochiral starting material and/or isomers maybe resolved from mixtures using conventional separation techniques (e.g. HPLC).

[0133] The compounds according to the invention may be prepared by the following process. In the description and formulae below the groups R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, B, X and Y are as defined above, except where otherwise indicated. It will be appreciated that functional groups, such as amino, hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, present in the various compounds described below, and which it is desired to retain, may need to be in protected form before any reaction is initiated. In such instances, removal of the protecting group may be the final step in a particular reaction. Suitable protecting groups for such functionality will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For specific details see Greene et al, “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, Wiley Interscience.

[0134] A process for preparing compounds of general formula (I) comprises alkylating a compound of formula B—XH (II) wherein B and X are as previously defined, with an alkylating agent of formula Z-(CH₂)_(n)—CHR¹—(CH₂)_(m)—COY (III), using for example an amine base, such as triethylamine in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF); or (when m=0) an acrylate of formula CH₂═CR¹—COY (IV) wherein R¹ and Y are as defined previously and Z represents a suitable leaving group (e.g. a halogen such as bromine, or an alkylsulphonate ester such as methanesulphonate).

[0135] Alkylating agents (III) can be obtained in chiral or racemic form. Many of these derivatives can be readily obtained from commercially available starting materials using methods known to those skilled in the art (see WO-A-9005719).

[0136] Acrylates of formula (IV) may be prepared by the Mannich reaction (ie. with paraformaldehyde and piperidine in a suitable organic solvent, such as 1,4-dioxane) on a dicarboxylic acid of general formula HO₂C—CHR¹—CO₂H (V). This reaction involves an eliminative decarboxylation step resulting in the formation of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid (i.e. where Y═OH) directly. This carboxylic acid can then be elaborated using standard chemistry, known to those skilled in the art, to provide esters (Y═OR²) or hydroxamides (NHOR¹¹) where R¹¹ is a suitable protecting group such as benzyl, tert-butyl or tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS).

[0137] Dicarboxylic acids of formula (V) may be prepared by the alkylation of, for instance, diethyl malonate with an alkylating agent of formula R¹-Z (VI), wherein Z is as defined above, followed by hydrolysis under basic conditions.

[0138] Compounds of formula (II) in which B includes includes an aryl, heteroaryl, functional or other group as a substituent on a core part thereof (B′), may be prepared by palladium-catalysed coupling of an aryl, heteroaryl, functionalising or other compound with a compound of general formula A-B′—XR¹² (VII) wherein R¹² is a suitable protecting group such as a methyl, tert-butyl, benzyl or trityl, and A is a halide such as iodide, bromide or, in some instances, chloride. This is followed by removal of any protecting groups.

[0139] Many such palladium-catalysed coupling reactions are known to those skilled in the art and can provide compounds of formula (II) bearing substituents described by R⁵ such as COR⁶, CO₂R² or CON(R⁶)₂ as well as aryl, heteroaryl, alkenyl or alkyl groups optionally substitute by R⁵. Other groups described by B and/or R⁵ can be introduced by standard chemical transformations known to those skilled in the art.

[0140] Many compounds of general formulae (II), (VI) and (VII) are commercially available or may be prepared, by standard aromatic, heteroaromatic or other chemistry known to those skilled in the art, from commercially-available materials.

[0141] If required, intermediates of general formulae (VIII) and (IX)

[0142] may be prepared by Friedel-Crafts acylation of a simple aromatic system Ph-XH (X) with phthalic or maleic anhydride, followed by treatment with a hydrazine of general formula H₂N—NHR²(XI).

[0143] Compounds of formula (I) may also be prepared by interconversion of other compounds of formula (I). Thus, for example, a compound of formula (I) wherein R¹ is a C₁₋₆ alkyl group may be prepared by hydrogenation (using palladium on carbon in suitable solvent, such as an alcohol, e.g. ethanol) of a compound of formula (I) wherein R² is a C₂₋₆ alkenyl group. Alternatively, acetylsulfanyl-tert-butyl esters (XII), where R¹ is in general one of the groups isopropyl, propylsuccinimide or propylhydantoin, may be reacted with bromides (XI) (commercially available or prepared according to the literature or via the methods described below) for example, in methanol with sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide to give sulfanyl-tert-butyl esters of general formula (I). These may be deprotected using trifluoroacetic acid to afford the desired sulfanyl-acids of general formula (I), as shown in scheme A.

[0144] Further, a compound of formula (I) wherein X is S(O)₁₋₂ may be prepared by oxidation of a compound of formula (I) wherein X is S, for example using Oxone® in methanol/water. Carboxylic acids of general formula (I) (Y═OH) may be converted to other compounds of formula (I) such as esters (Y═OR²) or hydroxamic acids (Y═NHOH) using methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, the acids of general formula (I) may be reacted with oxalyl chloride and catalytic DMF in dichloromethane to afford the corresponding acid chlorides which are treated with hydroxylamine in THF/water. Alternatively, the acids of general formula (I) may be coupled with O-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-protected hydroxylamine using, for example, 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and 4-dimethylaminopyridine in dichloromethane and the resulting products deprotected using, for example, either tetrabutylammonium fluoride in dichloromethane or hydrogen chloride in diethyl ether. These interconversions of compounds of general formula (I) are illustrated in the general scheme B.

[0145] Any mixtures of final products or intermediates obtained can be separated on the basis of the physico-chemical differences of the constituents, in known manner, into the pure final products or intermediates, for example by chromatography, distillation, fractional crystallization, or by formation of a salt if appropriate or possible under the circumstances.

[0146] The compounds according to the invention exhibit in vitro inhibiting activities with respect to the stromelysins, collagenases and gelatinases. Compounds according to the invention also exhibit in vitro inhibition of TNF release, TNF receptor shedding, IL-6 receptor shedding and L-selectin shedding.

[0147] The 80 kD TNF receptor (TNFR₈₀) is proteolytically cleaved at the cell surface (shed), releasing a soluble ligand-binding receptor fragment. Interestingly, the processing of TNFα and shedding of TNFR₈₀ have been demonstrated to occur concurrently in activated T-cells, arousing speculation that a common protease may be involved. It has been shown by Crowe et al, J. Exp. Med., (1995) 181:1205, that a synthetic inhibitor of TNF processing also blocks the shedding of TNFR₈₀, suggesting that these processes may be coordinatedly regulated during T-cell activation. Notably, the protease cleavage site in pro-TNF(Ala-Val) is also present in the extracellular domain of TNFR₈₀ (Ala²¹³-Val²¹⁴) at a site consistent with the observed molecular weight of the shed receptor fragment. Thus, metalloproteinase inhibitors may offer protection from the deleterious systemic effects of TNFα at two levels simultaneously, firstly by preventing the release of soluble TNFα, and secondly by blocking the accumulation of shed TNFR₈₀.

[0148] Synergistically with TNF, metalloproteinase inhibitors also inhibit the release of APO-1/Fas (CD95) ligand (APO-1L) which induces apoptosis in sensitive target cells. The shedding APO-1/Fas (CD95), a type I transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the nerve growth factor/TNF receptor sub-family is also blocked by known metalloproteinase inhibitors but not by common inhibitors of serine/cysteine proteases; see Mariani et al, Eur. J. Immunol., (1995) 25:2303. Several other important receptors expressed by activated T- and B-cells have also been demonstrated to be shed from the cell surface by the action of metalloproteinases. These enzymes, collectively known as sheddases, provide new targets for inhibitors of metalloproteinases, including compounds of the present invention.

[0149] The activity and selectivity of the compounds may be determined by use of the appropriate enzyme inhibition test, for example as described in Examples A-M, below. Certain compounds of this invention have selective inhibitory activity, in particular inhibition of MMP substantially without inhibition of TNF release and related activities as defined above. This may be of particular value where such activities are associated with reduced side-effects.

[0150] This invention also relates to a method of treatment for patients (including man and/or mammalian animals raised in the dairy, meat or fur industries or as pets) suffering from disorders or diseases which can be attributed to stromelysin as previously described, and more specifically, a method of treatment involving the administration of the matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors of formula (I) as the active constituents.

[0151] Accordingly, the compounds of formula (I) can be used among other things in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and in diseases and indications resulting from the over-expression of these matrix metalloproteinases such as found in certain metastatic tumour cell lines.

[0152] As mentioned above, compounds of formula (I) are useful in human or veterinary medicine since they are active as inhibitors of TNF and MMPs. Accordingly in another aspect, this invention concerns:

[0153] a method of management (by which is meant treatment of prophylaxis) of disease or conditions mediated by TNF and/or MMPs in mammals, in particular in humans, which method comprises administering to the mammal an effective, amount of a compound of formula (I) above, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and

[0154] a compound of formula (I) for use in human or veterinary medicine, particularly in the management (by which is meant treatment or prophylaxis) of diseases or conditions mediated by TNF and/or MMPs; and

[0155] the use of a compound of formula (I) in the preparation of an agent for the management (by which is meant treatment or prophylaxis) of diseases or conditions mediated by TNF and/or MMPs.

[0156] The disease or conditions referred to above include inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diseases involving tissue breakdown such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, vasculitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis, periodontitis, gingivitis and those involving tissue breakdown such as bone resorption, haemorrhage, coagulation, acute phase response, cachexia and anorexia, acute infections, HIV infections, fever, shock states, graft versus host reactions, dermatological conditions, surgical wound healing, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, epidermolysis bullosa, tumour growth, angiogenesis and invasion by secondary metastases, ophthalmological disease, retinopathy, corneal ulceration, reperfusion injury, migraine, meningitis, asthma rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, anaphylaxis, restenosis, congestive heart failure, endometriosis, atherosclerosis, endosclerosis and aspirin-independent anti-thrombosis.

[0157] For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and in diseases and indications resulting from the over-expression of matrix metalloendoproteinases such as found in certain metastatic tumour cell lines or other diseases mediated by the matrix metalloendoproteinases or increased TNF production, the compounds of formula (I) may be administered orally, topically, parenterally, by inhalation spray or rectally in dosage unit formulations containing non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intrasternal injection or infusion techniques. In addition to the treament of warm-blooded animals such as mice, rats, horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, cats etc, the compounds of the invention are effective in the treatment of humans.

[0158] The pharmaceutical composition containing the active ingredient may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavouring agents, colouring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the techniques described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874, to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release.

[0159] Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules where in the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin or olive oil.

[0160] Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose, sodium alginate polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally occurring phosphatide, for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensation produces of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such a polyoxyethylene with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more colouring agents, one or more flavouring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin.

[0161] Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavouring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

[0162] Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified, for example sweetening, flavouring and colouring agents, may also be present.

[0163] The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring gums, for example gum acacia or gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soya bean, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavouring agents.

[0164] Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for example glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavouring and colouring agents. The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be in a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

[0165] The compounds of formula (I) may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols.

[0166] For topical use, creams, ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc containing the compounds of Formula (I) are employed. For the purposes of this specification, topical application includes mouth washes and gargles.

[0167] Dosage levels of the order of from about 0.05 mg to about 140 mg per kilogram of body weight per day are useful in the treatment of the above-indicated conditions (about 2.5 mg to about 7 g per patient per day). For example, inflammation may be effectively treated by the administration of from about 0.01 to 50 mg of the compound per kilogram of body weight per day (about 0.5 mg to about 3.5 g per patient per day).

[0168] The amount of active ingredient that may be combined with the carrier materials to produce a single dosage form will vary depending upon the host treated and the particular mode of administration. For example, a formulation intended for the oral administration of humans may vary from about 5 to about 95% of the total composition. Dosage unit forms will generally contain between from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of active ingredient.

[0169] It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination and the severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy.

[0170] The following Examples illustrate the invention.

[0171] In the Examples, the following abbreviations are used: TNFα Tumour Necrosis Factor α LPS Lipopolysaccharide ELISA Enzyme linked immunosorbant assay EDC 1-Ethyl-2-dimethylaminopropylcarbodiimide RT Room Temperature THF Tetrahydrofuran MTBE terr-Butyl methyl ether DMF N,N-Dimethylformamide

[0172] Intermediate 1 4-Acetylthiophenol

[0173] Was prepared according to EP 302321.

[0174] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0175] Intermediate 2 Bis(4-Benzenecarboxylate)disulfide

[0176] Iodine (1.23 g) was added portionwise to a solution of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (1.5 g) in methanol (30 ml) at room temperature. Stirring was continued for three hours. Water (1 ml) and sodium sulfite (0.2 g) were added, and the reaction was stirred for 30 minutes. Methanol was removed in vacuo and the title compound was isolated by filtration as a white solid (1.38 g, 93%).

[0177] TLC R_(f) 0.05 (2.5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0178] Intermediate 3 Bis(4-N,N-Dimethylcarboxamidebenzene)disulfide

[0179] A solution of intermediate 2 (0.5 g) in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (15 ml) and DMF (7 ml) was stirred at room temperature. Dimethylamine hydrochloride (0.27 g), triethylamine (1.37 ml) and EDAC (0.63 g) were added and the reaction was stirred overnight. Solvents were removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organics were dried over MgSO₄, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo to give the crude product, which was purified by column chromatography on silica eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane. The title compound was isolated as a white solid (0.245 g, 42%).

[0180] TLC R_(f) 0.24 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0181] Intermediate 4 4-Sulfanyl-N,N-dimethylbenzamide

[0182] Sodium borohydride (0.076 g) was added portionwise to a solution of intermediate 3 (0.245 g) in ethanol (10 ml) at room temperature, and the mixture was stirred for 16 h. The solvent was then removed in vacuo and the residue was taken up in water. The resulting solution was acidified to pH 2, then extracted with ethyl acetate. Removal of the solvents gave the title compound as a white solid (0.23 g 93%).

[0183] TLC R_(f) 0.41 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0184] Intermediate 5 1-Bromo-5-phenylpentan-2-one

[0185] Diazomethane preparation: The reaction vessel of a standard diazomethane kit (fitted with a CO₂ condenser and trap and an addition funnel) was charged with a solution of potassium hydroxide (5.00 g) in water (8 ml) and ethanol (10 ml). The vessel was heated to 65° C. and a solution of N-methyl-N-nitroso-4-toluene sulfonamide (Diazald,® 5.00 g) in diethyl ether (45 ml) was added dropwise over 30 min from an addition funnel. Diazomethane solution was collected by continuous distillation. Ethyl chloroformate was added dropwise to a stirred solution of 4-phenylbutyric acid (1.36 g) and N-methylmorpholine (1.28 ml) in THF (15 ml) at −12° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. A white precipitate began to form, which was removed by filtration after 90 min. The filtrate was treated with a pre-formed solution of diazomethane (16.6 mmol) in diethyl ether at 0° C. The combined solution of diazomethane and anhydride was stirred at 0° C. for 3.5 h and room temperature for 1 h. A solution of hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (45%, 10 ml) and water (10 ml) was added slowly. The mixture was stirred for 20 min before a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO₃ (200 ml) was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 ml) and the combined extracts were washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was eluted from a column of silica with 10% diethyl ether in hexane to provide the title compound as a colourless liquid (765 mg, 38%).

[0186] TLC R_(f) 0.6 (3:1 hexane-diethyl ether).

[0187] Intermediate 6 1-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanyl)-5-phenylpentan-2-one

[0188] A solution of intermediate 5 (365 mg) and 4-methoxythiophenol (0.186 ml) in DMF (15 ml) at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere was treated with triethylamine (0.210 ml). The mixture was stirred for 4 h before being poured into 0.5 N HCl (100 ml). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml) and the combined exacts were washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was eluted from a column of silica with 10% diethyl ether in hexane to provide the title compound as a colourless solid (375 mg, 83%).

[0189] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (3:1 hexane-diethyl ether).

[0190] Intermediate 7 Methyl 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanyl)methyl-6-phenylhex-2-enoate

[0191] Methyl diethyl phosphonoacetate (0.246 ml) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of potassium hexamethyldisilazide (0.5 M in toluene, 2.67 ml) in THF (20 ml) at −12° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 20 min before a solution of intermediate 6 (365 mg) in THF (20 ml) at −12° C. was added via a double-tipped needle under pressure of nitrogen. The mixture was stirred at a temperature not exceeding 0° C. for 1 h before being allowed to warm to room temperature and then heated to 40° C. for a period of 20 h. A saturated aqueous solution of NH₄Cl (100 ml) was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml) and the combined extracts were washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was eluted from a column of silica with 10% diethyl ether in hexane to provide the title compound as an equal mixture of E and Z isomers as a colourless liquid (265 mm 61%).

[0192] TLC R_(f) 0.25 and 0.35 (5:1 hexane-diethyl ether).

[0193] Intermediate 8 Methyl-3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanyl)methyl-6-phenyl-hexanoate

[0194] A solution of intermediate 7 (265 mg) in ethyl acetate (20 ml) was added to an evacuated hydrogenation flask containing 10% palladium on charcoal (150 mg). The mixture was degassed before being flushed with hydrogen and agitated overnight. The catalyst was then removed by filtration over Celite® and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a pale yellow liquid (242 mg, 91%).

[0195] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (5:1 hexane-diethyl ether)

[0196] Intermediate 9 Bis(4-Hydroxybenzene)disulfide

[0197] Iodine (5.12 g) was added portionwise to a stirred solution of 4-hydroxythiophenol (5.09 g) in methanol (50 ml) at ambient temperature. After stirring for 2 hours, water (2 ml) and sodium sulfite (0.62 g) were added to decolourise the solution, and after brief stirring the mixture was concentrated to dryness in vacuo. The residual orange solid was partitioned between diethyl ether (50 ml) and water, and the layers were separated. The organic layer washed with water (3×20 ml), saturated brine (10 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to dryness in vacuo to provide the title compound as a yellow solid (5.06 g, 100%).

[0198] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0199] Intermediate 10 Bis(4-Carbamoylmethyloxybenzene)disulfide

[0200] Intermediate 9 (3.00 g), 2-bromoacetamide (3.47 g) and potassium carbonate (3.48 g) were heated in acetone (100 ml) at reflux. After 7 hours the mixture was cooled in ice, and a white solid which precipitated was removed by filtration, washed with acetone, water and acetone and dried to constant weight in vacuo to provide the title compound (3.659 g 84%) as a colourless solid.

[0201] TLC R_(f) 0.23 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0202] Intermediate 11 2-(4-Sulfanylphenoxy)acetamide

[0203] Intermediate 10 (1.46 g) and sodium borohydride (0.45 g) were heated to reflux in absolute ethanol for 90 minutes. Sodium borohydride was added to the refluxing mixture (CAUTION) until the reaction was complete by thin layer chromatography. After cooling, the solution was concentrated to dryness in vacuo, and the residue suspended in water (40 ml). The basic aqueous mixture was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid and extracted with diethyl ether (100 ml). The ethereal solution was washed with water (2×50 ml), saturated brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated to dryness in vacuo to provide the title compound (1.22 g, 84%) as an orange solid.

[0204] TLC R_(f) 0.54 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0205] Intermediate 12 Dibenzyl (3-Succinimidopropyl)malonate

[0206] Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 4.4 g) was added to a solution of dibenzyl malonate (29.5 g) in THF 300 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, then a solution of 1-bromo-3-chloropropane (10 ml) in THF (30 ml) was added dropwise. The solution was heated at reflux for 18 h, then cooled and evaporated in vacuo. The oily residue was dissolved in hexane (500 ml) and washed with water and brine, then dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a colourless oil. This oil was dissolved in acetone (300 ml) and sodium iodide (20 g) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 18 h, then evaporated and the residue partitioned between water and hexane. The layers were separated and the organic layer was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a pale yellow oil which was dissolved in dry DMF. Potassium succinimide (15 g) was added and the mixture was heated at 80° C. for 18 h. The mixture was cooled, poured into water (500 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×200 ml). The ether layers were combined, washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography, eluting with diethyl ether, to give the title compound (9.65 g, 23%) as a colourless oil.

[0207] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (diethyl ether)

[0208] Intermediate 13 1-(2-Bromoethyl)-3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin

[0209] Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 1.7 g) was added to a solution of 3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin (5.5 g) in DMF (20 ml) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred for 30 min, then dibromoethane (3.5 ml) was added dropwise and the solution was stirred overnight. The mixture was added to water (200 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether. The ether layer was washed with water, dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography, eluting with diethyl ether, to give the title compound (4.2 g, 50%) as a colourless solid.

[0210] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (diethyl ether).

[0211] Intermediate 14 1-(3-Iodopropyl)-3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin

[0212] Sodium hydride (2.2 g) was added to a solution of 3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin (7.1 g) in DMF (50 ml) at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. 3-Chloro-1-bromopropane (4.9 ml) was then added and the solution was stirred overnight. The mixture was then poured into water (300 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether; the ether layer was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated and the residue was dissolved in acetone (100 ml) to which was added sodium iodide (10 g). The mixture was heated at reflux for 18 h, then evaporated and the residue was dissolved in diethyl ether and washed with water, then dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give the title compound (11 g, 70%) as a brown oil.

[0213] TLC R_(f) 0.85 (diethyl ether)

[0214] Intermediate 15 4-Benzoylbenzenethiol

[0215] A stirred solution of sodium hydrosulfide monohydrate (43 g) in N-methylpyrrolidinone (400 ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere was heated at 160° C. under Dean and Stark conditions; 10 ml of water azeotrope was collected over 90 min. The mix was cooled to 140° C. and 4-chlorobenzophenone (50 g) was added. The mixture was stirred at 160° C. for 3 h before being allowed to cool to room temperature overnight. The N-methylpyrrolidinone was removed in vacuo and the black oily residue was dissolved in water (500 ml). The solution was acidified with 6 N HCl and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×300 ml). The combined extracts were washed with brine and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give a brown solid (41 g). The solid was dissolved in ethyl acetate (500 ml) and the solution was extracted with NaOH (5%, 4×200 ml). The combined extracts were acidified to pH 3 with 6 N HCl and the resulting precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried in vacuo to give the title compound as a beige solid (21 g, 43%).

[0216] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (3:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0217] Intermediate 16 Benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-thiol

[0218] Was prepared according to Hitotsuyangi et al (J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1, 1995, 1387-1390) from 5-bromobenzo[1,3]dioxole, as a colourless oil (7.48 g, 61%).

[0219] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (10% ethyl acetate/hexane)

[0220] Intermediate 17 4-Acetylsulfanyltetrahydropyran

[0221] Diethyl azodicarboxylate (7.24 ml) was added to a stirred solution of triphenylphosphine (12.1 g) in THF (80 ml), and stirred at room temperature for 10 min. Thiolacetic acid (3.29 ml) and tetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-ol (2.3 g) were added (CAUTION: exotherm), and the mixture stirred at room temperature for a further 18 h. After removal of the THF under reduced pressure, stirring with hexane (50 ml) and water (50 ml) gave a precipitate, which was removed by filtration. The biphasic filtrate was separated, and the aqueous phase extracted once with hexane (50 ml). The combined hexane extracts were washed with water (30 ml), brine (10 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to leave a yellow liquid (2.73 g). Purification by chromatography on silica, eluting with hexane/diethyl ether (10:1), provided the title compound as a pale yellow liquid (0.98 g, 27%).

[0222] TLC R_(f) 0.20 (hexane/diethyl ether (10:1))

[0223] Intermediate 18 Tetrahydropyran-thiol

[0224] Sodium borohydride (0.278 g) was added to a stirred solution of intermediate 17 in methanol (15 ml) at 0° C. under nitrogen. After 2 h a further portion of sodium borohydride (0.370 g) was added, and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 18 h. The reaction was then quenched with 1 M hydrochloric acid (50 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (2×30 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (10 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to provide the title compound as a colourless liquid (0.472 g, 60%).

[0225] TLC R_(f) 0.70 (hexane/ethyl acetate (3:1))

[0226] Intermediate 19 1-Benzoyl-4-bromopiperidine

[0227] Benzoyl chloride (1.41 g) was added to a solution of 4-bromopiperidine hydrobromide (2.45 g) in THF (30 ml) at 0° C., followed by triethylamine (2.2 g, 2.2 eq). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, and evaporated and. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (100 ml), washed with water, 1M HCl and saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to give the title compound as colourless oil (2.76 g, 100%).

[0228] TLC R_(f)0.55 (ether).

[0229] Intermediate 20 1-Benzoyl-4-(acetylsulfanyl)piperidine

[0230] Potassium thioacetate (2.3 g) was added to a solution of intermediate 19 in DMF (50 ml) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 days, then added to water and extracted with ether. The solvent was washed with water and sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated to give the title compound as pale amber oil (2.6 g, 100%).

[0231] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ether).

[0232] Intermediate 21 1-Benzoylpiperidine-4-thiol

[0233] A solution of the thioacetate intermediate 20 (2.6 g) in methanol (100 ml) was treated with sodium borohydride (1.2 g) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 h, then evaporated and the residue dissolved in water. The solution was acidified with solid citric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (2×100 ml). The solvent was washed with brine, dried and evaporated to give the title compound as brown oil (2.0 g).

[0234] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (ether).

[0235] Intermediate 22 1-tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-4-bromopiperidine

[0236] A solution of di-tert-butyldicarbonate (4.4 g) in dichloromethane was added to a suspension of 4-bromopiperidine hydrobromide (5 g) in dichloromethane (100 ml) at 0° C., followed by triethylamine (5.1 g). The solution was stirred for 3 h at room temperature, then washed with water, 0.5 M HCl and saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to give the title compound as colourless oil (5.3 g, 99%).

[0237] TLC R_(f) 0.70 (ether).

[0238] Intermediate 23 1-tert-Butyloxycarbonyl-4-(acetylsulfanyl)piperidine

[0239] Potassium thioacetate (4.4 g) was added to a solution of intermediate 22 (5.3 g) in DMF (100 ml) and the mixture was heated to 100° C. for 4 h, then cooled and added to water. The mixture was extracted with ether, and the solvent then washed with water and sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to give the title compound (5.10 g, 96%).

[0240] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (ether).

[0241] Intermediate 24 4-(4-Sulfanylbenzoyl)pyridine

[0242] A suspension of sodium hydrogen sulfide (6 g) in DMF (100 ml) was heated to reflux for 1 h, then cooled and 4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)pyridine (5 g) was added. The mixture was heated at reflux for 2 h, then cooled and added to water. The brown solution was washed with ether, then acidified with citric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (2×100 ml). The solvent was dried and evaporated to give the title compound as beige powder (2.4 g, 50%).

[0243] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ether).

[0244] Similarly prepared was:

[0245] Intermediate 25 2-(4-Sulfanylbenzoyl)thiophene

[0246] From 2-(4-fluorobenzoyl)thiophene (10 g) as beige solid (4.50 g, 42%).

[0247] TLC R_(f) 0.65 (ether).

[0248] Intermediate 26 4-Methoxy-1-(2-Phenylethylsulfanyl)benzene

[0249] A solution of 4-methoxybenzene thiol (5.7 g), triethylamine (4.1 g) and 2-bromoethylbenzene (5.6 ml) in DMF (50 ml) at 0° C. was stirred for 2 h, then added to water and extracted with ether. The solvent was washed with water, 1M NaOH and brine, then dried and evaporated to give the title compound as colourless oil (8.9 g, 95%).

[0250] TLC R_(f) 0.80 (ether)

[0251] Intermediate 27 Dibenzyl-2-(3-phthalimidopropyl)malonate

[0252] A solution of dibenzyl malonate (20 g) in anhydrous THF (200 ml) was treated at 0° C. with sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 3.1 g). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 30 minutes under nitrogen. The mixture was then treated with a solution of N-(3-bromopropyl)phthalimide (20.5 g) in THF (100 ml) and heated at reflux for 12 hours. The reaction was then cooled, filtered, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (200 ml) and saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (150 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (100 ml), brine (100 ml), dried (MgSO₄), filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield the title compound (17.5 g, 50%) as a white solid.

[0253] TLC R_(f) 0.16 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0254] Similarly prepared were:

[0255] Intermediate 28 Dibenzyl 2-(2-Phthalimidoethyl)malonate

[0256] From dibenzyl malonate (20 g) and N-(2-bromoethyl)phthalimide (18.7 g), as a clear gum (32 g, 100%).

[0257] TLC R_(f) 0.15 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0258] Intermediate 29 Dibenzyl (2-(3,4,4-Trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)ethyl)malonate

[0259] From dibenzyl malonate (4.8 g) and intermediate 13 (4.2 g), as a colourless oil (7.2 g, 100%).

[0260] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (diethyl ether)

[0261] Intermediate 30 Dibenzyl (3-(3,4,4-Trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)propyl)malonate

[0262] From dibenzyl malonate (5.7 g) and intermediate 14 (6.2 g) as a colourless oil (7.1 g, 80%).

[0263] TLC R_(f) 0.53 (diethyl ether)

[0264] Intermediate 31 Dibenzyl (3-Phenylpropyl)malonate

[0265] From dibenzyl malonate (30 g) and 1-bromo-3-phenylpropane (21 g) as a colourless oil (34 g, 80%).

[0266] TLC R_(f) 0.48 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0267] Intermediate 32 Dibenzyl propylmalonate

[0268] From dibenzyl malonate (22 ml) and 1-bromopropane (7.3 g) as a colourless oil (25.9 g, 100%).

[0269] TLC R_(f) 0.31 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0270] Intermediate 33 Diethyl (3-(Ethoxycarbonyl)propyl)malonate

[0271] From diethyl malonate (5.0 g) and ethyl 4-bromobutyrate (6.65 g), as a clear gum (3.79 g, 45%).

[0272] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (20% ethyl acetate in hexane)

[0273] Intermediate 34 2-Methylene-5-phthalimidopentanoic Acid

[0274] A solution of intermediate 27 (16.75 g) in dioxane (200 ml) was treated with 10% palladium on charcoal (1.7 g) and hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure until the hydrogen uptake had ceased. The catalyst was removed by filtration through Celite® and the filtrate treated with piperidine (3.2 g) at room temperature. After 30 minutes the reaction was treated with formaldehyde (37% solution in water, 15 ml), stirred for two hours at room temperature and then heated at 80° C. for two hours. The mixture was cooled, the solvent removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (200 ml) and 10% aqueous citric acid (100 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (100 ml), brine (100 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 40% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield the title compound (12.2 g, 70%) as a white solid.

[0275] TLC R_(f) 0.44 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0276] Similarly prepared were:

[0277] Intermediate 35 2-Methylene-4-phthalimidobutanoic Acid

[0278] From intermediate 28 (10 g) as a white solid (5 g, 93%).

[0279] TLC R_(f) 0.12 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0280] Intermediate 36 2-Methylene-5-succinimidopentanoic Acid

[0281] From intermediate 12 (9.65 g) as colourless oil (2.85 g 59%).

[0282] TLC R_(f) 0.6 (diethyl ether).

[0283] Intermediate 37 2-Methylene-4-(3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butananoic Acid

[0284] From intermediate 29 (7.2 g) as a colourless solid (1.5 g, 37%).

[0285] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (ethyl acetate)

[0286] Intermediate 38 2-Methylene-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0287] From intermediate 31 (17.6 g) as a colourless oil (5.0 g, 60%)

[0288] TLC R_(f) 0.31 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0289] Intermediate 39 2-Methylene-5-(3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0290] From intermediate 30 (10 g) as a colourless oil (5.40 g, 95%).

[0291] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (ethyl acetate)

[0292] Intermediate 40 2-Methylene-3-phenylpropanoic Acid

[0293] From dibenzyl benzylmalonate (10 g) as a colourless oil (4.5 g, 100%).

[0294] TLC R_(f) 0.34 (diethyl ether)

[0295] Intermediate 41 2-Methylenepentanoic Acid

[0296] From intermediate 32 (25.9 g) as a colourless oil (5.8 g, 64%). TLC R_(f) 0.33 (ethyl acetate)

[0297] Intermediate 42 1-Methylenebutane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid

[0298] A solution of intermediate 33 (3.79 g) in ethanol (10 ml) was treated with water (50 ml) and potassium hydroxide (4.65 g). The reaction was heated at 100° C. for two hours and the organic solvent removed in vacuo. The aqueous residue was washed with ethyl acetate (50 ml) separated and the basic layer acidified to pH 1 with 6 M hydrochloric acid. The product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml), the extracts combined, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the residue treated with piperidine (0.7 g) at room temperature. After 30 minutes the reaction was treated with formaldehyde (37% solution in water, 3.3 ml), stirred for two hours at room temperate and then heated at 80° C. for two hours. The mixture was cooled, the solvent removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 ml) and 10% aqueous citric acid (50 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield the title compound as a white solid (1.0 g, 49%).

[0299] TLC R_(f) 0.28 (50% ethyl acetate in hexane)

[0300] Intermediate 43 2-Methylene-3-methylbutanoic Acid

[0301] Piperidine (6 ml) was added to a solution of isopropylmalonic acid (5 g) in dioxan (70 ml) and the reaction was stirred for 0.5 h. Formaldehyde (37% aqueous, 6 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred for 16 hours. The reaction was heated to 80° C. for 2 h, cooled to room temperature, and partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 1 and extracted with dichloromethane. Combined organic phases were dried and the solvents removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a colourless oil (3.1 g, 79%).

[0302] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (5% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0303] Similarly prepared was:

[0304] Intermediate 44 2-Methylene-4-(pyrid-2-yl)butanoic Acid

[0305] From 2-(2-pyridylethyl)malonic acid (2.5 g) as colourless solid (1.80 g, 90%).

[0306] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (EtOAc).

[0307] Intermediate 45 2-Bromomethyl-5-phthalimidopentanoic Acid

[0308] Intermediate 34 (1.0 g) was treated with 45% hydrogen bromide in acetic acid (30 ml) at room temperature. After three hours the solution was poured into water (300 ml) and the product extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml). The extracts were combined, washed with water (100 ml), brine (100 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dried by azeotrope with toluene (2×10 ml) to yield the title compound as a white solid (1.3 g, 100%).

[0309] TLC R_(f) 0.34 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0310] Similarly prepared were:

[0311] Intermediate 46 2-Bromomethyl-4-phthalimidobutanoic Acid

[0312] From intermediate 35 (4.7 g), as a white solid (5.3 g, 85%).

[0313] TLC R_(f) 0.36 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0314] Intermediate 47 2-Bromomethyl-5-succinimidopentanoic Acid

[0315] From intermediate 36 (2.86 g) as colourless sold (2.50 g, 63%).

[0316] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (ethyl acetate)

[0317] Intermediate 48 2-Bromomethyl-4-(3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid

[0318] From intermediate 37 (1.5 g) as colourless solid (0.80 g, 45%).

[0319] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0320] Intermediate 49 2-Bromomethyl-5-(3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)-pentanoic Acid

[0321] From intermediate 39 (5.4 g) as a viscous oil (4.0 g, 56%).

[0322] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (ethyl acetate)

[0323] Intermediate 50 2-Bromomethyl-3-phenylpropanoic Acid

[0324] From intermediate 40 (26.2 g) as a colourless oil (33.2 g, 86%).

[0325] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (1:1 ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0326] Intermediate 51 2-(Bromomethyl)pentanoic Acid

[0327] From intermediate 41 (4.8 g) as a colourless oil (7.0 g, 85%).

[0328] TLC R_(f) 0.36 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0329] Intermediate 52 2-Bromomethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0330] From intermediate 38 (3.4 g) as a colourless oil (4.2 g, 87%).

[0331] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0332] Intermediate 53 1-(Bromomethyl)butane-1,4-dicarboxylic Acid

[0333] From intermediate 42 (0.6 g), as a white solid (0.8 g, 88%)TLC R_(f) 0.38 (50% ethyl acetate in hexane)

[0334] Intermediate 54 2-Bromomethyl-3-methylbutanoic Acid

[0335] From intermediate 43 (3.1 g) as a colourless oil (4.6 g, 87%).

[0336] MS 196MH⁺

[0337] Intermediate 55 2-Bromomethyl-4-(2-pyridyl)butanoic Acid Hydrobromide

[0338] Intermediate 44 (1.80 g) was dissolved in 48% HBr/acetic acid (20 ml) and stirred for 2 h, then evaporated in vacuo and azeotroped with isopropanol (4×100 ml) to give the title compound as beige solid (3.3 g, 90%).

[0339] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (1:4:4 water/EtOAc/MeOH).

[0340] Intermediate 56 Methyl 2-(Bromomethyl)-5-phenylpentanoate

[0341] Intermediate 52 (5.0 g) was treated with a solution of diazomethane in diethyl ether. Removal of the solvent in vacuo gave the title compound as a colourless oil (5.2 g, 100%).

[0342] TLC R_(f) 0.31 (5% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0343] Intermediate 57 Methyl 2-Acetylsulfanylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoate

[0344] A solution of intermediate 56 in DMF was treated with potassium thioacetate (6.0 g) at 60° C. for 18 h. The mixture was added to water and extracted with ether, them the solvent was washed with water and brine, dried and evaporated to give the title compound as a brown oil (8.5 g, 90%).

[0345] TLC R_(f) 0.80 (ether).

[0346] Intermediate 58 Methyl 2-Chlorosulfonylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoate

[0347] Chlorine was passed through a suspension of intermediate 57 (0.7 g) in iced water (20 ml) for 30 min. The yellow suspension was then extracted with dichloromethane and the solvent was washed with water, sodium metabisulfite and brine, then dried and evaporated to give a the title compound (0.7 g, 100%) as colourless oil.

[0348] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ether).

[0349] Intermediate 59 2-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzoyl)benzoic Acid

[0350] Was prepared according to Chem Ber., 1983, 116, 970.

[0351] Intermediate 60 4-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethylphenyl)-2-methyl-1(2H)phthalazinone

[0352] Was prepared according to Chem Ber., 1983, 116, 970.

[0353] Intermediate 61 1-tert-Butoxycarbonylpiperidine-4-thiol

[0354] Sodium borohydride (5.0 g) was added to a solution of intermediate 23 (5.1 g) in methanol (200 ml). The solution was stirred at room temperature for two hours and then evaporated in vacuo. The residue was carefully dissolved in water and citric acid added (5.0 g). The product was extracted with dichloromethane (2×100 ml), the extracts combined, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil (4.70 g, 98%)

[0355] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (ether).

[0356] Intermediate 62 2-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phthalimidopentan-oic Acid

[0357] A solution of intermediate 45 (1.0 g) in THF (20 ml) was purged with nitrogen for 5 minutes and treated with intermediate 15 (0.7 g) and triethylamine (1.0 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours and then the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 ml) and water (100 ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml), the extracts combined, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 50% ethyl acetate in hexane to yield the title compound (0.5 g, 35%) as a clear gum.

[0358] TLC R_(f) 0.33 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0359] Similarly prepared were:

[0360] Intermediate 63 3-(4Benzoylphenylsulfanyl)propanoic Acid

[0361] From intermediate 15 (1.5 g) and 3-bromopropionic acid (1.07 g), as a white solid (0.32 g, 16%).

[0362] TLC R_(f) 0.05 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0363] Intermediate 64 2-(4-Acetylphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0364] From intermediate 1 (0.37 g) and intermediate 52 (1.34 g) as an orange oil (0.5 g, 41%).

[0365] TLC R_(f) 0.47 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0366] Intermediate 65 2-(Thiazol-2-ylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0367] From intermediate 52 (1.16 g) and 2-mercaptothiazole (0.5 g) as a colourless oil (0.125 g, 9%).

[0368] TLC R_(f) 0.6 (5% metanol-dichloromethane)

[0369] Intermediate 66 2-(4-N,N-Dimethylcarbamoylphenlylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0370] From intermediate 52 (0.2g) and intermediate 4 (0.344 g) as a colourless oil (0.29 g, 59%).

[0371] TLC R_(f) 0.22 (5% methanol-dicloromethane)

[0372] Intermediate 67 2-(4-Methoxybenzenesulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid.

[0373] From 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.556 g) and intermediate 52 (1.08 g) as a pale yellow oil (1.021 g, 78%).

[0374] TLC R_(f) 0.80 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0375] Intermediate 68 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phthalimidopentanoic Acid

[0376] From intermediate 45 (1.0 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.45 g), as a clear gum (1.1 g, 94%).

[0377] TLC R_(f) 0.62 (4% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0378] Intermediate 69 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-4-phthalimidobutanoic Acid

[0379] From intermediate 46 (1.0 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.47 g), as a clear gum (0.92 g, 78%).

[0380] TLC R_(f) 0.19 (2% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0381] TLC R_(f) 0.41 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0382] Intermediate 70 5-Phenyl-2-(phenylsulfanylmethyl)pentanoic Acid

[0383] From benzenethiol (0.107 g) and intermediate 52 (0.248 g), as a milky white oil (0.223 g, 82%).

[0384] TLC R_(f) 0.46 (4:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0385] Intermediate 71 2-(2-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0386] From 2-methoxybenzenethiol (0.324 g) and intermediate 52 (0.597 g), as a colourless oil (0.539 g, 74%).

[0387] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0388] Intermediate 72 2-(3-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0389] From 3-methoxybenzenethiol (0.318 g) and intermediate 52 (0.585 g), as a colourless oil (0.662 g, 93%).

[0390] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0391] Intermediate 73 2-(4-(Carbamoylmethyloxy)phenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0392] From intermediate 11 (0.503 g) and intermediate 52 (0.744 g), as a white solid (0.884 g, 86%).

[0393] TLC R_(f) 0.41 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0394] Intermediate 74 2-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0395] From intermediate 52 (5.6 g) and intermediate 15 (4.6 g) as a pale amber oil (7.5 g, 92%).

[0396] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (3:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0397] Intermediate 75 2-(Pyrid-4-ylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0398] From 4-mercaptopyridine (0.33 g) and intermediate 52 (0.84 g) as a white solid (0.53 g, 58%).

[0399] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ethyl acetate)

[0400] Intermediate 76 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-succinimido-pentanoic Acid

[0401] From intermediate 47 (1.5 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.71 g) as a colourless oil (1.56 g, 80%).

[0402] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (diethyl ether)

[0403] Intermediate 77 2-(4Benzoylphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-succinimido-pentanoic Acid

[0404] From intermediate 15 (0.21 g) and intermediate 47 (0.29 g) as a white solid (0.34 g, 80%).

[0405] TLC R_(f) 0.27 (ethyl acetate)

[0406] Intermediate 78 2-(4-Acetamidophenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0407] From 4-acetamidobenzenethiol (0.17 g) and intermediate 52 (0.28 g) as a colourless oil (0.25 g, 45%).

[0408] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (diethyl ether)

[0409] Intermediate 79 2-((1-Methylimidazol-2-yl)methylsulfanyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid

[0410] From 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (1.14 g) and intermediate 52 (2.8 g) as a white solid 0.5 g, 16%).

[0411] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (6% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0412] Intermediate 80 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0413] From 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.28 g) and intermediate 49 (0.68 g) as a white solid (0.64 g, 80%).

[0414] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (ethyl acetate)

[0415] Intermediate 81 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl-4-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid

[0416] From intermediate 48 (0.48 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.21 g) as a white solid (0.49 g, 87%).

[0417] TLC R_(f) 0.31 (ethyl acetate)

[0418] Intermediate 82 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-3-phenylpropanoic Acid

[0419] From intermediate 50 (2.43 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (1.4 g) as a white solid (2.95 g, 98%).

[0420] TLC R_(f) 0.55 (ethyl acetate)

[0421] Intermediate 83 Ethyl 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfanylbutanoate

[0422] From 4-methoxythiophenol (10.0 g) and ethyl 4-bromobutyrate (10.2 ml) as a colourless liquid (16.7 g, 92%).

[0423] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (3:1 hexane-diethyl ether)

[0424] Intermediate 84 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-pentanoic Acid

[0425] From intermediate 51 (2.0 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (1.3 ml) as a yellow oil (2.6 g, 99%).

[0426] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0427] Intermediate 85 1-(4Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)butane-1,4-dicarboxylic Acid

[0428] From intermediate 53 (0.6g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.38 g), as a clear gum (0.57 g, 76%).

[0429] TLC R_(f) 0.36 (50% ethyl acetate in hexane)

[0430] Intermediate 86 3-Methyl-2-(4-methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)butanoic Acid

[0431] From intermediate 54 (3.5 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (2.51 g), as a colourless oil (3.26 g, 71%).

[0432] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (5% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0433] Intermediate 87 2-[(Benzo(1,3)dioxole-5-yl)sulfanylmethyl]-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0434] From intermediate 16 (2.0 g) and intermediate 52 (3.52g), as a yellow-brown oil (3.78 g, 85%).

[0435] TLC R_(f) 0.52 (5% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0436] Intermediate 88 2-[(4-Trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfanyl)methyl]-5-(1,5,5-trimethylhydantoin-3-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0437] From intermediate 49 (0.51 g) and 4-trifluoromethoxybenzenethiol (0.29 g), as a colourless oil (0.47 g, 70%).

[0438] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (50% hexane/ethyl acetate with trace acetic acid)

[0439] Intermediate 89 2-[(4-Trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfanyl)methyl]pentanoic Acid

[0440] From intermediate 51 (2.00 g) and 4-trifluoromethoxybenzenethiol (1.99 g), as a pale yellow oil (2.78 g, 88%).

[0441] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (hexane/ethyl acetate/acetic acid (200:50:3))

[0442] Intermediate 90 2-(Quinolin-2-ylsulfanyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0443] From 2-mercaptoquinoline (256 mg) and intermediate 52 (0.3 g) as a colourless solid (0.3 g, 50%)

[0444] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (ethyl acetate)

[0445] MS 352 [MH³⁰ ]

[0446] Intermediate 91 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfanylmethyl-4-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid

[0447] From 4-mercaptobenzophenone (0.17 g) and intermediate 48 (0.20 g) as white solid (0.20 g, 85%).

[0448] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (ether)

[0449] MS 470[M⁺]

[0450] Intermediate 92 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfanylmethyl-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic acid

[0451] From 4-mercaptobenzophenone (0.34 g) and intermediate 49 (0.40 g) as a pale amber oil (0.52 g, 62%)

[0452] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ethyl acetate)

[0453] MS 468 [M⁺]

[0454] Intermediate 93 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfanylmethyl-3-phenylpropanoic Acid

[0455] From 4-mercaptobenzophenone (0.85 g) and intermediate 50 (0.80 g) as a pale yellow gum (1.01 g, 59%).

[0456] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (ether)

[0457] MS 372 [MH⁺]

[0458] Intermediate 94 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfanylmethyl-4-(pyrid-2-yl)butanoic Acid

[0459] From intermediate 55 (1.0 g) and 4-methoxybenzenethiol (0.42 g) as a colourless oil (0.25 g, 25%).

[0460] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0461] MS 318 [MH⁺]

[0462] Intermediate 95 2-(4-(4-Pyridinoyl)phenylsulfanyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0463] From intermediate 24 (1.1 g) and intermediate 52 (1.4 g) as white solid (1.62 g, 80%).

[0464] TLC R_(f) 0.6 (EtOAc).

[0465] MS 406 [M⁺]

[0466] Intermediate 96 2-(4-(2-Thienoyl)phenylsulfanyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0467] From intermediate 25 (1.3 g) and intermediate 52 (1.4 g) as white solid (1.8 g, 85%).

[0468] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (ether).

[0469] MS 410 [MH⁺]

[0470] Intermediate 97 2-(4-(4-Pyridinoyl)phenyl)sulfanylmethyl-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0471] From intermediate 24 (0.21 g) and intermediate 49 (0.34 g) as white solid (0.25 g, 65%).

[0472] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[0473] MS 469 [MH⁺]

[0474] Intermediate 98 2-(4-(2-Thienoyl)phenyl)sulfanylmethyl-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0475] From intermediate 25 (0.66 g) and intermediate 49 (1.0 g) as white solid (1.3 g, 90%).

[0476] TLC R_(f) 0.70 (EtOAc)

[0477] Intermediate 99 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)sulfanylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0478] From 4-mercaptophenol (1.26 g) and intermediate 52 as colourless oil (3.0 g, 95%).

[0479] TLC R_(F) 0.63 (ether).

[0480] Intermediate 100 2-((Quinolin-8yl)sulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0481] From 8-quinoline thiol (120 mg) and intermediate 52 (170 mg) as colourless solid (105 mg, 50%).

[0482] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (ether).

[0483] Intermediate 101 2-(Furan-2ylmethylsulfanyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0484] Potassium tert-butoxide (415 mg) was added to a stirred solution of furfuryl thiol (0.186 ml) in dichloromethane (20 ml) at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was stirred for 3 min before a solution of intermediate 37 (500 mg) in dichloromethane (5 ml) was added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 6 h before being poured into HCl (0.5 M, 100 ml). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 ml). The combined organic phases were washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a yellow oil (560 mg, 99%).

[0485] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (4:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0486] Similarly prepared were:

[0487] Intermediate 102 2-(Cyclopentylsulfanyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0488] From intermediate 52 (500 mg), and cyclopentanethiol (0.198 ml) as a pale yellow oil (540 mg, 99%).

[0489] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (4:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0490] Intermediate 103 2-(Benzylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0491] From benzylmercaptan (0.059 g) and intermediate 52 (0.128 g) as a colourless oil (0.116 g, 78%).

[0492] TLC R_(f) 0.49 (hexane-ethyl acetate-acetic acid (200:50:3)

[0493] Intermediate 104 5-Phenyl-2-[(tetrahydropyran-4-ylsulfanyl)methyl]-pentanoic Acid

[0494] From intermediate 18 (0.40 g) and intermediate 52 (0.700 g), as a pale yellow oil (0.99 g, 94%).

[0495] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (hexane/diethyl ether (1:1))

[0496] MS 373 (M+NH₄ ⁺)

[0497] Intermediate 105 2-(2-Phenylethylsulfanylmethyl)-5phenylpentanoic Acid

[0498] Potassium hexamethyldisilazide (0.5 M in toluene, 20 ml) was added to a solution of phenethyl mercaptan (0.7 g) in THF (50 ml) at −78° C. and the solution was stirred for 10 min, then a solution of intermediate 52 (1.4 g) in THF (10 ml) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours, warming to room temperature. The mixture was added to water and the solution was washed with diethyl ether, acidified with acetic acid and extracted with ether. The ether layer was washed with water and brine, dried and evaporated and the residue purified by column chromatography, eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound (1.30 g, 78%) as a colourless oil,

[0499] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (20% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0500] Similarly prepared were:

[0501] Intermediate 106 2-(3-Phenylpropylsulfanyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0502] From phenpropyl mercaptan (1.5 g) and intermediate 52 (2.8 g) as colourless oil (1.6 g, 50%).

[0503] TLC R_(f) 0.86 (ether).

[0504] Intermediate 107 2-(2-Methylpropylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0505] From isobutyl mercaptan (0.9 g) and intermediate 52 (2.8 g) as a colourless oil (2.6 g, 93%).

[0506] TLC R_(f) 0.83 (diethyl ether).

[0507] Intermediate 108 2-(1-Benzoylpiperidine-4-yl)sulfanylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0508] From intermediate 21 (2.0 g) and intermediate 52 (2.0 g) as colourless oil (1.6 g).

[0509] TLC R_(f) 0.34 (ether)

[0510] Intermediate 109 2-((1-tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)piperidin-4-yl)sulfanylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0511] From intermediate 61 (4.2 g) and intermediate 52 (5.2 g) as colourless oil (4.5 g, 53%).

[0512] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (1:1 ether/hexanes).

[0513] Intermediate 110 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentanoic Acid

[0514] A solution of intermediate 85 (0.5 g) in methanol (10 ml) was treated with 4-toluenesulfonic acid (16 mg) at room temperature. The mixture was heated at 40° C. under nitrogen for 2 h, then allowed to cool and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 ml) and water (50 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 40% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound as a while solid (0.38 g, 72%).

[0515] TLC R_(f) 0.48 (50% ethyl acetate in hexane)

[0516] Intermediate 111 Methyl 2-(4-Bromophenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoate

[0517] A solution of intermediate 46 (4.70 g) and 4-bromothiophenol (4.79 g) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) was treated with 10% sodium hydroxide in water (4.0 ml) and heated at reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to an aqueous residue in vacuo and partitioned between diethyl ether (250 ml) and water (150 ml). The organic phase was dried over magnesium sulfate, concentrated onto silica in vacuo and purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound as a colourless oil (6.46 g, 71%)

[0518] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (3% ethyl acetate-heptane)

[0519] Intermediate 112 Methyl 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanyl)propanoate

[0520] 4-Methoxythiophenol (4.80 g) was added to a stirred solution of methyl acrylate (3.08 ml) in dichloromethane (60 ml) at 0° C. Potassium carbonate (4.72 g) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The mixture was filtered over a plug of Celite® and the solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a yellow liquid (7.70 g, 100%).

[0521] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0522] Similarly prepared was:

[0523] Intermediate 113 Methyl 3-(4-Bromophenylsulfanyl)propanoate From 4-bromothiophenol (6.26 g) as a yellow oil (8.75 g 96%).

[0524] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (60% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0525] Intermediate 114 Methyl 3-[4-(Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfanylmethyl]propanoate

[0526] A solution of intermediate 113 (2.80 g) and 4-chlorobenzeneboronic acid (1.91 g) in THF (80 ml) at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere was treated with dichloro bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (1.43 g). Aqueous sodium carbonate solution (2 M) was added and the mixture was heated at reflux overnight. The residue was cooled to room temperature and the THF was removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in diethyl ether, washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was eluted from a column of silica with 10% dietyl ether in hexane to provide the title compound as a white solid (700 mg, 22%).

[0527] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (5% diethyl ether-hexane)

[0528] MS 323 MNH₄ ⁺

[0529] Similarly prepared was:

[0530] Intermediate 115 Methyl 2-[4-(4-Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfanyl)methyl]-5-phenylpentanoate

[0531] From intermediate 111 (5.20 g) and 4-chlorobenzeneboronic acid (2.48 g), as a colourless oil (4.07 g, 74%).

[0532] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (10% diethyl ether-heptane)

[0533] MS 425 MH⁺

[0534] Intermediate 116 3-(4-Bromophenylsulfanyl)propanoic Acid

[0535] A solution of intermediate 113 (1.01 g) in THF (15 ml) and water (5 ml) at 0° C. was treated with lithium hydroxide (154 mg). The mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was acidified to pH 5 with 10% aqueous citric acid and diluted with water (75 ml) and ethyl acetate (100 ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 ml) and the combined organic phases were washed with brine and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the title compound as a white solid (890 mg, 93%).

[0536] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0537] MS 261 MH⁺

[0538] Similarly prepared were:

[0539] Intermediate 117 3-[4-(Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfanyl]propanoic Acid

[0540] From intermediate 114 (450 mg), as a white solid (430 mg, 100%).

[0541] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (10% diethyl ether-hexane)

[0542] MS 244

[0543] Intermediate 118 3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfanylpropanoic Acid

[0544] From intermediate 112 (5.00 g), as a white solid (4.40 g, 94%).

[0545] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (1:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0546] MS 330MNH₄ ⁺

[0547] Intermediate 119 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanylmethyl)-6-phenylhexanoic Acid

[0548] From intermediate 8 (240 mg), as a colourless oil (234 mg, 100%).

[0549] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (3:1 hexane-diethyl ether)

[0550] Intermediate 120 4-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanyl)butanoic Acid

[0551] From intermediate 83 (5.00 g), as a white solid (4.10 g, 92%).

[0552] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (3:1 hexane-diethyl ether)

[0553] Intermediate 121 2-[4-(4-Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfanylmethyl]-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid

[0554] From intermediate 115 (1.57 g), as a white solid (1.42 g, 93%).

[0555] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (10 % diethyl ether-heptene)

[0556] MS 428MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 1

[0557] 2-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0558] A solution of intermediate 74 (84 mg) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was cooled to 0° C. and treated with 4-chloroperbenzoic acid (73 mg). The reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 3 hours. The reaction was concentrated onto silica in vacuo and purified by chromatography on silica eluting with 1% acetic acid and 1% methanol in dichloromethane to give the title compound as a colourless oil (42 mg, 48%).

[0559] TLC R_(f) 10 (30% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0560] MS 421 MH⁺

[0561] Similarly prepared was:

[0562] Intermediate 122 3-4-Methoxyphenylsulfinyl)propanoic Acid

[0563] From intermediate 118 (1.00 g), as a white solid (688 mg, 63%).

[0564] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0565] MS 229 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 2

[0566] 2-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phthalimido-pentanoic Acid

[0567] A solution of intermediate 62 (0.4 g) in methanol (50 ml) was treated at room temperature with a solution of Oxone® (0.52 g) in water (10 ml). The mixture was stirred for 24 hours and the organic solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water (100 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 ml). The organic extracts were combined washed with brine (40 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 2% methanol in dichlorometane to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.37 g, 87%).

[0568] TLC R_(f) 0.24 (2% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0569] MS 506 MH⁺

[0570] Similarly prepared were:

[0571] Intermediate 123 3-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfonyl)propanoic Acid

[0572] From intermediate 63 (0.257 g) as a white solid (0.20 g, 69%)

[0573] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (ethyl acetate)

[0574] MS 319 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 3

[0575] 2-(4-Acetylphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0576] From intermediate 64 (0.12 g) as a cream solid (0.094 g, 72%).

[0577] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (10% metanol-dichloromethane)

[0578] MS 374 MH⁺

[0579] Intermediate 124 2-(2-Thiazolylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0580] From intermediate 65 (0.125 g) as a colourless oil (0.094 g, 67%).

[0581] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0582] MS 341MH⁺

EXAMPLE 4

[0583] 2-(4-N,N-Dimethylcarbamoylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl pentanoic Acid

[0584] From intermediate 66 (0.289 g) as a colourless oil (0.250 g, 83%).

[0585] TLC R_(f) 0.36 (10% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0586] MS 404 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 5

[0587] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phthalimido-pentanoic Acid

[0588] From intermediate 68 (0.9 g) as a white solid (0.7 g, 72%).

[0589] TLC R_(f) 0.58 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0590] MS432 MH^(+EXAMPLE) 6

[0591] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-4-phthalimido-butanoic Acid

[0592] From intermediate 69 (0.9 g), as a white solid (0.8 g, 82%).

[0593] TLC R_(f) 0.19 (4% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0594] MS 418 MH⁺

[0595] Intermediate 125 3-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)propanoic Acid

[0596] From intermediate 116 (260 mg) as a white solid (241 mg, 83%).

[0597] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0598] MS 294 MH⁺

[0599] Intermediate 126 3-[4-(Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfonyl]propanoic Acid

[0600] From intermediate 117 (195 mg), as a white solid (196 mg, 90%).

[0601] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (10% diethyl ether-hexane)

[0602] MS 341 MNH₄ ⁺

[0603] Intermediate 127 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)propanoic Acid

[0604] From intermediate 118 (1.00 g), as a white solid (1.13 g, 98%).

[0605] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0606] MS 262 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 7

[0607] 2-(Furan-2-ylmethylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0608] From intermediate 101 (560 mg), as a colourless oil (401 mg, 64%).

[0609] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (3:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0610] MS 354 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 8

[0611] 2-(Cyclopentylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenlypentanoic Acid

[0612] From intermediate 102 (540 mg), as a colourless oil (387 mg, 64%).

[0613] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (3:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0614] MS 342 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 9

[0615] 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-6-phenylhexanoic Acid

[0616] From intermediate 119 (230 mg), as a colourless oil (157 mg, 62%).

[0617] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0618] MS 394 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 10

[0619] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0620] From intermediate 67 (0.50 g) as a white solid (0.52 g, 95%).

[0621] TLC R_(f) 0.61 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0622] MS 380 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 11

[0623] 2-(Benzylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0624] From intermediate 103 (0.569 g), as a white solid (0.613 g, 98%).

[0625] TLC R_(f) 0.53 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0626] MS 364MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 12

[0627] 5-Phenyl-2-(phenylsulfonylmethyl)pentanoic Acid

[0628] From intermediate 70 (0.494 g), as a white solid (0.543 g, 100%).

[0629] TLC R_(f) 0.52 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0630] MS 348 MNH₄ ⁻

EXAMPLE 13

[0631] 2-(2-Methoxybenzenesulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0632] From intermediate 71 (0.539 g), as a colourless oil (0.561 g, 95%).

[0633] TLC R_(f) 0.47 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0634] MS 380 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 14

[0635] 2-(3-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0636] From intermediate 72 (0.610 g), as a colourless oil (0.617 g, 92%).

[0637] TLC R_(f) 0.58 (50% ethyl acetate-hexane)

[0638] MS 380 MNH₄ ⁺

[0639] Intermediate 128 2-(4-(Carbamoylmethyloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0640] From intermediate 73 (0.864 g), as a white solid (0.653 g, 70%).

[0641] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0642] MS 423 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 15

[0643] 2-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0644] From intermediate 74 (7.5 g) as a colourless solid (7.4 g, 91%).

[0645] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (1:1 ethyl acetate-hexane).

[0646] MS 437 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 16

[0647] 2-(Pyrid-4-ylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0648] From intermediate 75 (0.52 g) as a white solid (0.55 g, 96%).

[0649] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (5% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0650] MS 334 MH⁺

[0651] Intermediate 129 2-((4-Acetylamino)phenylsulfonylmethyl-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid

[0652] From intermediate 78 (0.20 g) as a colourless solid (0.12 g, 56%).

[0653] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (ethyl acetate).

[0654] MS 390MH⁺

[0655] Intermediate 130 2-((1-Methylimidazol-2-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid

[0656] From intermediate 79 (0.5 g) as a white solid (0.35 g, 64%).

[0657] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (6% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0658] MS 337 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 17

[0659] 2-(2-Phenylethylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0660] From intermediate 105 (1.35 g) as a white solid (1.40 g, 94%).

[0661] TLC R_(f) 5 (diethyl ether).

[0662] MS 361 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 18

[0663] 2-((2-Methylpropyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0664] From intermediate 107 (2.6 g) as a white solid (1.70 g, 59%).

[0665] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (40% diethyl ether-hexane).

[0666] MS312 M⁺

EXAMPLE 19

[0667] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-succinimido-pentanoic Acid

[0668] From intermediate 76 (1.56 g ) as a white solid (1.4 g, 82%).

[0669] TLC R_(f) 0.15 (ethyl acetate)

[0670] MS 383 M⁺

EXAMPLE 20

[0671] 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-5-succinimidopentan-oic Acid

[0672] From intermediate 77 (0.34 g) as a white solid (0.28 g, 78%).

[0673] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (ethyl acetate)

[0674] MS 457 M⁺

EXAMPLE 21

[0675] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethyl-hydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0676] From intermediate 80 (0.8 g) as a white solid (0.6 g, 70%).

[0677] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (6% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0678] MS 427 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 22

[0679] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-4-(3,3,4trimethyl-hydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid

[0680] From intermediate 81 (0.57 g) as a white solid (0.50 g, 79%).

[0681] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (10% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0682] MS 413 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 23

[0683] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-3-phenylpropanoic Acid

[0684] From intermediate 82 (2.95 g) as a white solid (3.0 g, 90%).

[0685] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (ethyl acetate)

[0686] MS 334 M⁺

[0687] Intermediate 131 4-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)butanoic Acid

[0688] From intermediate 120 (1.00 g), as a white solid (1.12 g, 98%).

[0689] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0690] MS 259 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 24

[0691] 2-[4-(4-Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfonyl)methyl]-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0692] From intermediate 121 (1.24 g), as a white solid (1.01 g, 75%).

[0693] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (10% diethyl ether-heptane)

[0694] MS 443 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 25

[0695] 2-[4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl]pentanoic Acid

[0696] From intermediate 84 (2.6 g) as a white solid (2.2 g, 74%).

[0697] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (5% methanol-dichloromethene)

[0698] MS 287 (M+H).

[0699] Intermediate 132 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentanoic Acid

[0700] From intermediate 110 (0.3 g), as a white solid (0.2 g, 61%)

[0701] TLC R_(f) 0.19 (50% ethyl acetate in hexane)

[0702] MS 345 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 26

[0703] 3Methyl-2-(4-methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)butanoic Acid

[0704] From intermediate 86 (3.26 g) as a white solid (2.3 g, 63%)

[0705] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (10% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0706] Intermediate 133 2-((Benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0707] From intermediate 87 as a colourless oil (3.4 g, 81%)

[0708] TLC R_(f) 0.48 (10% methanol/dichloromethane)

EXAMPLE 27

[0709] 2-](4-Trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl)methyl]-5-(1,5,5-trimethylhydantoin-3yl)pentanoic Acid

[0710] From intermediate 88 (0.47 g) as a white solid (0.49 g, 96%).

[0711] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (hexane/ethyl acetate (1:2) with trace acetic acid)

[0712] MS 481 (MH⁺)

EXAMPLE 28

[0713] 2-[(4-Trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl)methyl]pentanoic Acid

[0714] From intermediate 89 (2.77 g) as a white solid (2.79 g, 91%).

[0715] TLC R_(f) 0.73 (50% hexane/ethyl acetate with trace acetic acid)

[0716] MS 358 (M+NH₄ ⁺)

[0717] Intermediate 134 5-Phenyl-2-((tetrahydropyran-4-ylsulfonyl)methyl)-pentanoic Acid

[0718] From intermediate 104 (0.99 g), as a waxy white solid (0.62 g, 57%).

[0719] TLC R_(f) 0.10 (ethyl acetate/hexane/acetic acid (49:49:2))

EXAMPLE 29

[0720] 2-((Quinolin-2-yl)sulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0721] From intermediate 90 (0.2 g) as a pale yellow gum (0.10 g).

[0722] TLC R_(f) 0.53 (60% EtOAc-hexanes).

[0723] MS 384 (MH⁺).

EXAMPLE 30

[0724] 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-4-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid

[0725] From intermediate 91 (0.3 g) as white solid (0.20 g, 66%).

[0726] TLC R_(f) 0.54 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[0727] MS 486 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 31

[0728] 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0729] From intermediate 92 (0.6g) as white solid (0.25 g, 40%)

[0730] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[0731] MS 500 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 32

[0732] 2-((4-Benzoylphenylsulfonyl)methyl)-3-phenylpropanoic Acid

[0733] From intermediate 93 (1.10 g) as white solid (0.80 g, 60%).

[0734] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0735] MS 408 (M⁺).

[0736] Intermediate 135 2-((1-Benzoylpiperidine-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0737] From intermediate 108 (1.6 g) as white solid (1.05 g, 26%).

[0738] TLC R_(f) 0.57 (EtOAc).

[0739] MS 443 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 33

[0740] 2-((4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-4-(2-pyridyl)butanoic Acid

[0741] From intermediate 94 (0.25 g), as a white solid (0.26 g, 100%).

[0742] TLC R_(f) 0.22 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0743] MS 350 (MH⁺).

[0744] Intermediate 136 2-(4-(4-Pyridimoyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0745] From intermediate 95 (1.62 g) as white solid (1.20 g, 65%).

[0746] TLC R_(f) 0.65 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0747] MS

[0748] Intermediate 137 2-(4-(2-Thienoyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0749] From intermediate 96 (1.8 g) as white solid (1.60 g, 80%).

[0750] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0751] MS 442 (M⁺).

[0752] Intermediate 138 2-(4-(4-Pyridinoyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0753] From intermediate 97 (0.25 g), as white solid (0.12 g, 50%).

[0754] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (EtOAc)

[0755] MS 502 (MH⁺).

[0756] Intermediate 139 2-(4-(2-Thienoyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimebylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid

[0757] From intermediate 98 (1.3 g), as white solid (1.2 g, 85%).

[0758] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (EtOAc)

[0759] MS 506 (M⁺).

[0760] Intermediate 140 2-((4-Hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0761] From intermediate 99 (3.0 g) as white solid (3.1 g, 95%).

[0762] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (EtOAc).

[0763] MS 348 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 34

[0764] 2-((Quinolin-8-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0765] From intermediate 100 (100 mg) as white solid (60 mg, 55%).

[0766] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (EtOAc).

[0767] MS 391 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 35

[0768] 2-(3-Phenylpropylsulfonyl)methyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0769] From intermediate 106 (1.6 g), as colourless solid (1.45 g, 90%).

[0770] TLC 0.75 (ether)

[0771] MS 374 (M⁺).

[0772] Intermediate 141 4-Methoxy-1-(2-phenylmethylsulfonyl)benzene

[0773] From intermediate 26 (8.9 g), as white solid (10.0 g, 100%).

[0774] TLC R_(f) 0.75 (ether).

EXAMPLE 36

[0775] 3-(4Methoxybenzenesulfonyl)-4-phenylbutanoic Acid

[0776] n-Butyllithium (12.5 mmol) was added to a solution of intermediate 141 (2.75 g) in THF at −78° C. and the solution was stirred for 4 h at that temperature, then a solution of lithium bromoacetate (10 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at −78° C. For 2 h, then warmed to room temperature, quenched with dilute aqueous HCl and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dilute NaOH, washed with ether, acidified with aqueaous HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts were combined, washed with water, dried and evaporated and the residue purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with 40% EtOAc in hexane, to give the title compound as colourless solid (150 mg, 7%).

[0777] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (40% EtOAc/hexanes).

[0778] Intermediate 142 2-(1-tert-Butyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0779] Oxone® (13 g) was added to a solution of intermediate 109 (4.5 g) and sodium acetate (5 g) in methanol 200 ml) and water (50 ml) at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 18 h, then evaporated, diluted with water and the product collected by filtration to give the title compound as white solid (3.50 g, 75%).

[0780] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (EtOAc)

[0781] MS 439 (M⁺).

[0782] Intermediate 143 Methyl 2-((Pyrrolidin-1-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoate

[0783] Pyrrolidine (0.2 ml) was added to a solution of intermediate 58 (0.7 g) and triethylamine (0.5 ml) in dichloromethane (20 ml) at −10° C. and the solution was stirred for 18 h, then washed with water, sodium bicarbonate and 0.5 M HCl. The solvent was dried and evaporated and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with 40% a ether/hexanes, to give the title compound as colourless oil (0.16 g, 25%)

[0784] TLC R_(f) 0.28 (40% ether/hexanes).

[0785] Intermediate 144 2-((Pyrrolidin-1-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[0786] Lithium hydroxide (100 mg) was added to a solution of the ester intermediate 143 (0.16 g) in methanol (5 ml) THF (10 ml) and water (5 ml) and the solution was stirred for 6 h, then evaporated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in water. The aqueous solution was washed with ether, then acidified with citric acid and extracted with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane exacts were combined and washed with water, dried and evaporated to give the crude product. This material was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with 60% ether/hexanes, to give the title compound as colourless oil (60 mg, 40%).

[0787] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (60% ether/hexanes).

EXAMPLE 37

[0788] 2-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phthalimido-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxyamide

[0789] A solution of example 2 (0.1 g) in anhydrous THF (10 ml) was treated at room temperature with O-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)hydroxylamine (0.032 8) and 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.042 g). The mixture was stirred for 24 hours and the organic solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between water (30 ml) and ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organic extract were was washed with brine (40 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in THF (10 ml). The solution was treated at 0° C. with a 1.0 M solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF (1.0 ml) and stirred for 1 hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (50 ml) and water (40 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (20 ml), dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with 2% methanol in dichloromethane to yield the title compound as a white solid (0.06 g, 58%).

[0790] TLC R_(f) 0.74 (ethyl acetate)

[0791] MS 521 MH⁺

[0792] Similarly prepared were:

EXAMPLE 38

[0793] 3-(4-Benzoylphenylsulfonyl)propanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0794] From intermediate 123 (0.158 g) as a white solid (0.032 g, 20%).

[0795] TLC R_(f) 0.15 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0796] MS 334 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 39

[0797] 2-(4-Acethylphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0798] From example 3 (0.080 g) as a white solid (0.022 g, 30%).

[0799] TLC R_(f) 0.36 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0800] MS 389MH⁺

EXAMPLE 40

[0801] 2-(Thiazol-2-ylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0802] From intermediate 124 (0.125 g) as an oily semi-solid (0.023 g, 26%).

[0803] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0804] MS 354 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 41

[0805] 2-(4-N,N-Dimethylcarbamoylphenylsulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0806] From example 4 (0.232 g) as a white solid (0.046 8, 25%).

[0807] TLC R_(f) 0.49 (10% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0808] MS 419MH⁺

EXAMPLE 42

[0809] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phthalimido-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0810] From example 5 (0.35 g), as a white solid (0.12 g, 43%).

[0811] TLC R_(f) 0.52 (5% metanol-dichloromethane)

[0812] MS 447 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 43

[0813] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-4-phthalimido-butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0814] From example 6 (0.3 g), as a white solid (0.11 g, 35%).

[0815] TLC R_(f) 0.48 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0816] MS 433MH⁺

EXAMPLE 44

[0817] 3-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)propanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0818] From intermediate 125 (130 mg) as a white solid (87 mg, 64%).

[0819] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0820] MS 310 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 45

[0821] 3-[4-(Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfonyl]propanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0822] From intermediate 126 (123 mg), as a white solid (39 mg, 30%).

[0823] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (10% diethyl ether-hexane)

[0824] MS 341 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 46

[0825] 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)propanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0826] From intermediate 127 (764 mg), as a white solid (100 mg, 12%).

[0827] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0828] MS 277 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 47

[0829] 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfinyl)propanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0830] From intermediate 122 (200 mg), as a colourless oil (32 mg, 15%).

[0831] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (1,1 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0832] MS 261 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 48

[0833] 2-[(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfinylmethyl]-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0834] From example 1 (450 mg), as a white solid (42 mg, 9%).

[0835] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (ethyl acetate)

[0836] MS 436MH+

EXAMPLE 49

[0837] 2-(Furan-2-ylmethylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0838] From example 7 (350 mg), as a colourless oil (228 mg, 62%).

[0839] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0840] MS 369 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 50

[0841] 2-(Cyclopentylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0842] From example 8 (342 mg), as a colourless oil (265 mg, 75%).

[0843] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0844] MS 357 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 51

[0845] 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-6-phenylhexanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0846] From example 9 (135 mg), as a colourless oil (86 mg, 61%).

[0847] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0848] MS 392 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 52

[0849] 2-(Phenylmethylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0850] From example 11 (0.559 g) as a white solid (0.500 g, 86%).

[0851] TLC R_(f) 0.41 (ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1))

[0852] MS 362 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 53

[0853] 5-Phenyl-2-(phenylsulfonylmethyl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0854] From example 12 (0.478 g), as a white solid (0.394 g, 79%).

[0855] TLC R_(f) 0.51 (ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1))

[0856] MS 348 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 54

[0857] 2-(2-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0858] From example 13 (0.547 g), as a white solid (0.392 g, 69%).

[0859] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1))

[0860] MS 378 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 55

[0861] 2-(3-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0862] From example 14 (0.636 g), as a white solid (0.460 g, 70%).

[0863] TLC R_(f) 0.48 (ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1))

[0864] MS 378 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 56

[0865] 2-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0866] From example 24 (0.511 g), as a white solid (0.348 g, 66%)

[0867] TLC R_(f) 0.61 (ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1))

[0868] MS 459, 461 (M−O+NH₄ ³⁰)

EXAMPLE 57

[0869] 2-(4-(Carbamoylmethyloxy)benzenesulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid, N-Hydroxy Amide

[0870] From intermediate 128 (0.297 g) as a white solid (0.049 g, 16%).

[0871] TLC R_(f) 0.18 (ethyl acetate)

[0872] MS 427 M−O+NH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 58

[0873] 2-(4Benzoylphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0874] From example 15 (7.4 g) as a colourless solid (3.80 g, 50%).

[0875] TLC R_(f) 0.42 (10% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0876] MS 452 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 59

[0877] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0878] From example 10 (0.425 g) as a white solid (0.185 g, 40%).

[0879] TLC R_(f) 0.31 (ethyl acetate-hexane (2:1))

[0880] MS 378 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 60

[0881] 2-(Pyrid-4-ylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0882] From example 16 (0.23 g), as a colourless solid (0.2 g, 80%).

[0883] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0884] MS 337 M+

EXAMPLE 61

[0885] 2-(4-Acetylaminophenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0886] From intermediate 129 (0.12 g) as a beige solid (0.04 g, 32%).

[0887] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0888] MS 406 MH+

EXAMPLE 62

[0889] 2-(1-Methylimidazol-2-ylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentan-oic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0890] From intermediate 130 (0.20 g) as a white solid (0.06 g, 31%).

[0891] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (10% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0892] MS 352 (MH+).

EXAMPLE 63

[0893] 2-(2-Phenylethyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0894] From example 17 (0.50 g) as a white powder (0.23 g, 42%).

[0895] TLC R_(f) 0.4 (diethyl ether).

[0896] MS 376(MH+).

EXAMPLE 64

[0897] 2-(2-Methylpropyl)sulfonylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0898] From example 18 (1.7 g) as a white solid (0.85 g, 47%).

[0899] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (diethyl ether).

[0900] MS 328 (MH+).

EXAMPLE 65

[0901] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0902] From example 19 (1.15 g) as a white solid (0.90 g, 74%).

[0903] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (10% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0904] MS 398 (M+).

EXAMPLE 66

[0905] 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-5-succinimido-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0906] From example 20 (0.26 g) as a white solid (0.22 g, 79%).

[0907] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (10% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0908] MS 471 (M+).

EXAMPLE 67

[0909] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonlylmethyl-5-(3,3,4-trimethyl-hydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0910] From example 21 (0.6 g) as a white solid (0.45 g, 70%).

[0911] TLC R_(f) 0.55 (10% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0912] MS 442 (MH+)

EXAMPLE 68

[0913] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl-4-(3,3,4-trimethyl-hydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid-N-Hydroxy Amide

[0914] From example 22 (0.42 g) as a white solid (0.22 g, 53%).

[0915] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (10% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0916] MS 428 (MH+).

EXAMPLE 69

[0917] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-3-phenylpropanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0918] From example 23 (1.7 g) as a white solid (1.4 g, 78%).

[0919] TLC R_(f) 0.55 (10% methanol-dichloromethane).

[0920] MS 349 (M+).

EXAMPLE 70

[0921] 4-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0922] From intermediate 131 (500 g), as a white solid (210 mg, 40%).

[0923] TLC R_(f) 0.1 (1:2 hexane-ethyl acetate)

[0924] MS 291 MNH₄ ⁺

EXAMPLE 71

[0925] 2-[4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl]pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0926] From example 25 (500 mg), as a white solid (390 g, 73%).

[0927] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (5% methanol-dichloromethane)

[0928] MS 302MH⁺

EXAMPLE 72

[0929] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-(methoxycarbonyl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0930] From intermediate 132 (0.2 g), as a white solid (0.08 g, 38%)

[0931] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (10% methanol in dichloromethane)

[0932] MS 360 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 73

[0933] 2-(4-Methyoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-3-methylbutanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0934] From example 26 (2.2 g), as a white solid (0.46 g, 34%)

[0935] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (10% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0936] MS 302MH⁺

EXAMPLE 74

[0937] 2-((Benzo[1,3]dioxole-5-yl)sulfanylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0938] From intermediate 133 as a tan solid (1.636 g, 70%)

[0939] TLC Rf 0.36 (10% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0940] MS 392 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 75

[0941] 2-((4-Trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl)methyl)-5-(1,5,5-trimethylhydantoin-3-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0942] From example 27 (0.46 g), as a white solid (0.36 g, 71%).

[0943] TLC R_(f) 0.16 (ethyl acetate/hexane (3:1) with trace acetic acid)

[0944] MS 496 (MH⁺)

EXAMPLE 76

[0945] 2-((4-Trifluoromethoxybenzenesulfonylmethyl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0946] From example 28 (2.70 g), as a white solid (2.09 g, 74%).

[0947] TLC R_(f) 0.53 (10% methanol/dichloromethane)

[0948] MS 373 (M+NH₄ ⁺)

EXAMPLE 77

[0949] 5-Phenyl-2-((tetrahydropyran-4-ylsulfonyl)methyl)-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0950] From intermediate 134 (0.60 g), as a white solid (0.40 g, 65%).

[0951] TLC R_(f) 0.20 (ethyl acetate/hexane (5:1) with trace acetic acid)

[0952] MS 373 (M+NH₄ ⁺)

EXAMPLE 78

[0953] 2-(Quinoline-2-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0954] From example 29 (100 mg), as pale yellow solid (0.046 g, 42%)

[0955] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0956] MS 396 (MH⁺)

EXAMPLE 79

[0957] 2-(4-benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-4-(3,3,4-trimethyl-hydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0958] From example 30 (0.25 g) as white solid (0.20 g, 80%).

[0959] TLC R_(f) 0.55 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[0960] MS 501 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 80

[0961] 2-((4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethyl-hydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0962] From example 31 (0.25 g) as white solid (0.20 g).

[0963] TLC R_(f) 0.50 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0964] MS 515 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 81

[0965] 2-((4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-3-phenylpropanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0966] From example 32 (0.80 g), as white solid (0.43 g, 50%).

[0967] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0968] MS 423 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 82

[0969] 2-((1-Benzoylpiperidine-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0970] From intermediate 135 (1.05 g) as white solid (0.85 g, 80%).

[0971] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[0972] MS 458 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 83

[0973] 2-((1-tert-Butyloxycarbonylpiperidin-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0974] From intermediate 142 (3.5 g), as white foam (2.40 g, 66%).

[0975] TLC R_(f) 0.7 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0976] MS 454 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 84

[0977] 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-4-(pyrid-2-yl)butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0978] From example 33 (0.26 g), as white solid (0.20 g, 75%).

[0979] TLC R_(f) 0.5 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0980] MS 365 (MH⁺).

EXAMPLE 85

[0981] 2-((4-Pyridinoylphenyl)sulfonylmehthyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-hydroxy Amide

[0982] From intermediate 136 (1.08 g), as white solid (0.75 g, 67%).

[0983] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0984] MS 453 (MH⁺)

EXAMPLE 86

[0985] 2(4-(2-Thienoyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0986] From intermediate 137 (1.4 g) as white solid (0.85 g, 57%).

[0987] TLC R_(f) 0.63 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0988] MS 457 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 87

[0989] 2-((4-(4-Pyridinoyl)phenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0990] From intermediate 138 (0.10 g), as white solid (0.025 g, 26%).

[0991] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[0992] MS 517(MH⁺).

EXAMPLE 88

[0993] 2-((4-(2-Thienoyl)phenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0994] From intermediate 139 (1.2 g), as white solid (0.66 g, 60%).

[0995] TLC R_(f) 0.52 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[0996] MS 521 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 89

[0997] 2-((4-Hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[0998] From intermediate 140 (0.35 g), as white solid (0.20 g, 60%).

[0999] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1000] MS 363 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 90

[1001] 2-((Pyrrolidin-1-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1002] From intermediate 144 (60 mg) as colourless solid (30 mg, 50%).

[1003] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1004] MS 340 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 91

[1005] 2-((Quinolin-8-yl)sulfonylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1006] From example 34 (60 mg) as white solid (20 mg, 30% ).

[1007] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1008] MS 396 (MH⁺)

EXAMPLE 92

[1009] 3-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonyl)-4-phenylbutanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1010] From example 36 (100 mg), as white solid (60 mg, 60%).

[1011] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1012] MS 348 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 93

[1013] 2-(3-Phenylpropylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1014] From example 35 (1.45 g), as white solid (1.35 g, 90%).

[1015] TLC R_(f) 0.42 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1016] MS 389 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 94

[1017] 3-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1018] From 3-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)butanoic acid (2.63 g), as a colourless solid (1.00 g, 37%).

[1019] TLC R_(f) 0.37 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1020] MS 277 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 95

[1021] 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfanyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1022] From intermediate 67 (0.53 g) as a colourless solid (0.17 g, 31%)

[1023] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane)

[1024] MS 345 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 96

[1025] 5-Phenyl-2-(4-(phenylmethyl)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1026] Example 58 (0.203 g) and triethylsilane (0.42 ml) were held at reflux in trifluoroacetic acid (10 ml) for 30 h. The solvent was removed in vacuo, and the residue triturated with hexane (twice) to leave, after vacuum drying, a red solid (0.253 g). The crude red product was then purified by chromatography on silica, with 4% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent collecting fractions at R_(f) 0.27 to give a white solid. Further column purification of the white solid with 2% mehanol/dicloromethane eluent collecting at R_(f) 0.14 provided a white solid (0.10 g). In order to remove residual traces of the starting hydroxamic acid, the residue was further purified as follows: 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine (0.15 g) was suspeded in methanol and treated with concentrated sulfonic acid (0.3 ml), and the warm filtered. To this was added a solution of the column purified product in methanol (3 ml), and the mixture briefly warmed. Acetone (1 ml) was added and the mixture left to crystallise. The solids were then removed by filtration, and the residue obtained by concentration of the filtrate was diluted with water (20 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2×30 ml). The combined organic extracts were then washed with water (2×10 ml), brine (10 ml), dried (MgSO₄) and evapourated in vacuo. Purification of the red oil by chromatography on silica, with 4% methanol/dichloromethane as eluent, provided the title compound as a pale orange solid (0.061 g, 31%).

[1027] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (4% methanol/dichloromethane)

[1028] MS 439 (M−O+NH₄ ⁺)

EXAMPLE 97

[1029] 2-((Piperidin-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide Trifluoroacetate

[1030] Trifluoracetic acid (20 ml) was added to a solution of the acid example 83 (2.4 g) in dichloromethane (20 ml) at room temperature and the solution was stirred for 2 h, then evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene (2×50 ml). The resulting solid was then precipitated from methanol by addition of ether to give the title compound (1.54 g, 65%)

[1031] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (10% MeOH/dichloromethane 2% NH₄OH).

[1032] MS 323 (MH⁺).

EXAMPLE 98

[1033] 2-((1-Benzylpiperidin-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1034] Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.22 g) was added to a solution of example 97(0.23 g), triethylamine (60 mg) and benzaldehyde (106 mg) in a mixture of dichloromethane (10 ml) and methanol (2 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h, then evaporated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between water and dichloromethane. The organic solvent was washed with water, dried and evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography, eluting with 6% MeOH in dichloromethane and 1% NH₄OH, to give the title compound as white solid (60 mg, 25%).

[1035] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane 1% NH₄OH).

[1036] MS 445 (MH⁺).

[1037] Similarly prepared was:

EXAMPLE 99

[1038] 2-((1-(4-Cyanobenzyl)piperidin-4-yl)sulfonylmethyl-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1039] From example 97 (0.23 g) and 4-cyanobenzaldehyde (65 mg) as white solid (35 mg, 14 %).

[1040] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1041] MS 410 (MH⁺).

[1042] Intermediate 145 2-((4-Hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-tert-Butyloxy Amide

[1043] EDC (2.0 g) was added to a solution of intermediate 140 (3.5 g), triethylamine (1.0 g) and O-tert-butylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.3 g) in dichloromethane (100 ml) at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 18 h. The mixture was then washed with water, 1M HCl and saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to give the title compound as colourless solid (4.0 g, 95%)

[1044] TLC R_(f) 0.46 (ether)

[1045] Intermediate 146 2-((4-Benzyloxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid

[1046] N-tert-Butyloxy AmideBenzyl bromide (0.16 g) was added to a suspension of intermediate 145 (0.42 g) and caesium carbonate (0.33 g) in DMF (10 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 18 h at room temperature, then added to water and extracted with ether. The solvent was washed with water and brine, dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with ether, to give the title compound as colourless oil (0.25 g 50% ).

[1047] TLC R_(f) 0.70 (ether).

[1048] Similarly prepared were

[1049] Intermediate 147 2-(4-(1-Methyleth-1-yloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-tert-Butyloxy Amide

[1050] From intermediate 145 (0.42 g), as colourless oil (0.35 g, 80%).

[1051] TLC R_(f) 0.65 (ether).

[1052] Intermediate 143 2-((4-Butyloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-tert-Butyloxy Amide

[1053] From intermediate 145 (0.42 g), as colourless oil (0.40 g, 90%).

[1054] TLC R_(f) 0.75 (ether).

[1055] Intermediate 149 2-((4-Cyclopentyloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid N-tert-Butyloxy Amide

[1056] From intermediate 145 (0.42 g), as colourless oil (0.40 g, 90%).

[1057] TLC R_(f) 0.68 (ether).

[1058] Intermediate 150 2-(4-(4-Cyanobenzyloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid N-tert-Butyloxy Amide

[1059] From intermediate 145 (0.42 g) as colourless oil (0.35 g, 75%).

[1060] TLC R_(f) 0.63 (ether).

[1061] Intermediate 151 2-Bromomethyl-3-methyl-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1062] To a solution of 2-bromomethyl-3-methyl-butyric acid (52.1 g, 0.267 mol) in dichloromethane (150 ml) was added concentrated sulphuric acid (2.85 ml) and isobutylene (150 ml). The mixture was stirred in a Parr vessel a room temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was slowly added to a saturated solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate (300 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (50 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (100 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo to afford the title compound as a pale yellow oil (66.4 g, 99%).

[1063] TLC R_(f) 0.59 (20% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1064] Intermediate 152 2-Acetylsulfanylmethyl-3-methyl-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1065] To solution of intermediate 151 (66.4 g, 0.264 mol) in dry DMF (330 ml) under nitrogen cooled to 0° C. was added portionwise potassium thioacetate (36.2 g, 0.317 mol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 18 hours. After cooling to 0° C., water (350 ml) was added and the aqueous layer extracted with MTBE (2×300 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×250 ml), washed with brine (250 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed in vacuo to afford the title compound as a yellow oil (63.5 g, 98%)

[1066] TLC R_(f) 0.49 (20% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1067] Intermediate 153 1-[4-(3-Bromo-propoxymethyl)-cyclohexyl]-4-methoxy-benzene

[1068] To a mixture of (4methoxy-cyclohexyl)-methanol (1.25 g, 8.7 mmol) and trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 3-bromo-propyl ester (2.58 g, 9.55 mmol) in nitromethane (15 ml) was added 2,6di-tert-butylpyridine (1.83 ml, 9.55 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 80° C. for 18 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound as a yellow oil (1.4 g, 61%).

[1069] TLC R_(f) 0.81 (20% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1070] The following compound was prepared in a similar way to that described above.

[1071] Intermediate 154 [4-(3Bromo-propoxy)-cyclohexyl]-benzene

[1072] From 4-phenyl-cyclohexanol (1.3 g, 7.5 mmol) and trifluoro-methanesulfonic acid 3-bromo-propyl ester (4.1 g, 15 mmol) as a yellow oil (1.6 g, 72%)

[1073] TLC R_(f) 0.54 (10% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1074] Intermediate 155 2-(3-Hydroxy-propylsulfanoylmethyl)-3-methyl-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1075] To a solution of intermediate 152 (1.32 g, 5.36 mmol) in methanol (10 ml) cooled to 0° C. was added dropwise a solution of sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (1.0M in THF, 5.4 ml, 5.36 mmol). After stirring for 5 mins, a solution of 3-bromo-1-propanol (0.48 ml, 5.36 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 90 mins. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexane to give the title compound as a clear colourless oil (1.13 g, 72%).

[1076] TLC R_(f) 0.29 (25% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1077] The following compounds were prepared in a similar way to that described above.

[1078] Intermediate 156 3-Methyl-2-(3-phenoxy-propanesulfanylmethyl)-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1079] From intermediate 152 (0.7 g, 2.8 mmol) and 3-phenoxypropyl bromide (0.44 ml, 2.8 mmol) as a clear oil (943 mg, quantitative).

[1080] TLC R_(f) 0.32 (10% ethyl acetate/heptane).

[1081] Intermediate 157 2-[3-(4-methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethyl]-3-methyl-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1082] From intermediate 152 (700 mg, 2.84 mmol) and intermediate 153 (751 mg, 2.84 mmol) as a yellow oil (368 mg, 33%).

[1083] TLC R_(f) 0.27 (10% ethyl acetate/heptane).

[1084] Intermediate 158 3-methyl-2-[3-(4-phenyl-cyclohexyloxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethyl]-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1085] From intermediate 152 (700 mg, 2.84 mmol) and intermediate 154 (700 mg, 2.84 mmol) as a clear oil (612 mg, 52%).

[1086] TLC R_(f) 0.33 (10% ethyl acetate/heptane).

[1087] Intermediate 159 2-[3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethy]-3-methyl-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1088] To a solution of intermediate 155 (1.0 g, 3.82 mmol) in dry THF (25 ml) under nitrogen cooled to 0° C. was added triphenylphosphine (891 mg, 3.40 mmol) followed by diethylazodicarboxylate (0.54 ml, 3.40 mmol). After stirring for 5 mins, 4-chlorophenol (437 mg, 3.40 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 18 hours. Concentration in vacuo and purification by flash column chromatography eluting with 30% ethyl acetate in hexane afforded the title compound as a yellow oil (855 mg, 60%).

[1089] TLC R_(f) 0.24 (hexane).

[1090] The following compound was prepared in a similar way to that described above:

[1091] Intermediate 160 3-Methyl-2-[3-(pyridin-3-yloxy)-propylsulfanylmethyl]-butyric acid tert-butyl ester

[1092] From intermediate 155 (1.05 g, 3.6 mmol) and 3-hydroxypyridine (0,34 g, 3.6 mmol) as a clear oil (802 mg, 69%).

[1093] TLC R_(f) 0.42 (50% ethyl acetate/hexane)

[1094] Intermediate 161 3-Methyl-2-(3-phenoxy-propanesulfanylmethyl)-butyric acid

[1095] To a solution of intermediate 156 (940 mg, 2.8 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (3.7 ml) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (25 ml) and water (25 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (25 ml), dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a clear colourless gum (577 mg, 74%).

[1096] TLC R_(f) 0.56 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1097] The following compounds were prepared in a similar way to that described above.

[1098] Intermediate 162 2-[3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethyl]-3-methyl-butyric acid

[1099] From Intermediate 159 (855 mg, 2.29 mmol) as a pale yellow gum (692 mg, 95%).

[1100] TLC R_(f) 50 (30% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1101] Intermediate 163 3-Methyl-2-[3-(pyridin-3-yloxy)-propylsulfanylmethyl]-butyric acid

[1102] From intermediate 160 (801 mg). Purification by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane afforded the title compound as clear oil (318 mg, 69%).

[1103] TLC R_(f) 0.39 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1104] Intermediate 164 2-[3-(4-methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethyl]-3-methyl-butyric acid

[1105] From intermediate 157 (368 mg, 0.95 mmol) as a clear oil (220 mg, 82%).

[1106] TLC R_(f) 0.31 (25% ethyl acetate/heptane)

[1107] Intermediate 165 3-methyl-2-[3-(4-phenyl-cyclohexyloxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethyl]-butyric acid

[1108] From intermediate 158 (612 mg, 1.5 mmol) as a clear colourless gum (120 mg, 23%).

[1109] TLC R_(f) 0.61 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1110] Intermediate 166 3-Methyl-2(3-phenoxy-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl)-butyric acid

[1111] To a solution of intermediate 161 (576 mg, 2.04 mmol) in methanol (15 ml) was added a solution of oxone (2.6 g, 4.08 mmol) in water (15 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The methanol was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (50 ml) and water (50 ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (50 ml), the organic layers were combined, washed with water (2×100 ml), dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a white solid (544 mg, 85%).

[1112] TLC R_(f) 0.28 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1113] The following compounds were prepared in a similar way to that described above.

[1114] Intermediate 167 2-[3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-3-methyl-butyric acid

[1115] From intermediate 162 (692 mg, 2.18 mmol) as a white solid (689 mg, 91%).

[1116] TLC R_(f) 0.6 (40% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1117] Intermediate 168 3-Methyl-2-[3-pyridin-3-yloxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-butyric acid

[1118] From intermediate 163 (317 mg, 1.12 mmol). Purification by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane afforded the title compound as a white solid (92 mg, 26%).

[1119] TLC R_(f) 0.19 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1120] Intermediate 169 2-[3-(4-Methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-3-methyl-butyric acid

[1121] From intermediate 164 (220 mg, 0.8 mmol) as a clear oil (240 mg, quantitative).

[1122] TLC R_(f) 0.19 (50% ethyl acetate/heptane).

[1123] Intermediate 170 3-Methyl-2-[3-(4-phenyl-cyclohexyloxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-butyric acid

[1124] From intermediate 165 (118 mg, 0.3 mmol) as a clear colourless oil (116 mg, 90%).

[1125] TLC R_(f) 0.47 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1126] Intermediate 171 2-(Pyridin-4-ylsulfanylmethylmethyl-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid

[1127] To a solution of intermediate 49 (500 mg, 1.56 mmol) in THF (10 ml) under nitrogen was added 4-mercaptopyridine (173 mg, 1.56 mmol) and triethylamine (0.5 ml, 3.12 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 10% methanol in dichloromethane to give the title compound as a colourless oil (281 mg, 50%).

[1128] TLC R_(f) 0.46 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1129] Intermediate 172 2-(1-Oxy-pyridine-4-sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid

[1130] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 166 from intermediate 171 (281 mg, 0.77 mmol). Purification by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane to afford the title compound as a colourless oil (60 mg, 20%).

[1131] TLC R_(f) 0.19 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1132] Intermediate 173 2-Bromoethyl-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid tert-butyl ester

[1133] To a solution of intermediate 49 (3.5 g, 10.4 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 ml) was added isobutylene (20 ml) and concentrated sulphuric acid (0.5 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature in a sealed vessel for 24 hours. The mixture was poured into sodium hydrogencabonate solution (300 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (200 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (100 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a pale amber oil (2.8 g, 69%).

[1134] TLC R_(f) 0.75 (ethyl acetate).

[1135] Intermediate 174 2-acetylsulfanylmethyl-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidozolidin-1-yl-pentanoic acid tert-butyl ester

[1136] To a solution of intermediate 173 (2.8 g, 7.2 mmol) in dry DMF (30 ml) under nitrogen was added potassium thioacetate (2.0 g, 17.5 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The mixture was poured into water (50 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (200 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (6×50 ml), washed with brine (50 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as a pale yellow oil (2.2 g, 82%).

[1137] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (65% diethyl ether/hexane).

[1138] Intermediate 175 2-[3-(4-Methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propylsulfanylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)pentanoic acid tert-butyl ester

[1139] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 155 from intermediate 174 (500 mg, 1.34 mmol) and intermediate 153 (531 mg, 2.0 mmol) as a clear oil (198 mg, 28%).

[1140] TLC R_(f) 0.18 (25% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1141] Intermediate 176 2-[3-(4-Phenyl-cyclohexyloloxy)-propylsulfanylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-diaxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)pentanoic acid tert-butyl ester

[1142] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 155 from intermediate 174 (500 mg, 1.34 mmol) and intermediate 154 (500 mg, 2.01 mmol) as a clear oil (517 mg, 69%). TLC R_(f) 0.42 (50% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1143] Intermediate 177 2-[3-(4-Methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propylsulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)pentanoic acid tert-butyl ester

[1144] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 166 from intermediate 175 (198 mg, 0.38 mmol) as a clear oil (193 mg, 91%).

[1145] TLC R_(f) 0.16 (25% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1146] Intermediate 178 2-[3(4-Phenyl-cyclohexyloloxy)-propylsulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid tert-butyl ester

[1147] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 166 from intermediate 176 (510 mg, 0.91 mmol) as a clear oil (463 mg, 86%).

[1148] TLC R_(f) 0.16 (50% ethyl acetate/hexane).

[1149] Intermediate 179 2-[3-(4-Methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propylsulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid

[1150] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 161 from intermediate 177 (193 mg, 0.35 mmol) as a clear oil (236 mg, quantitative).

[1151] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (ethyl acetate).

[1152] Intermediate 180 2-[3-(4-Phenyl-cyclohexyloloxy)-propylsulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1yl)-pentanoic acid

[1153] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 161 from intermediate 178 (463 mg, 0.78 mmol) as a clear oil (500 mg, quantitative).

[1154] MS 537 M⁺

[1155] Intermediate 181 1-(3-Bromo-propoxy)-4-chloro-benzene

[1156] To a solution of 4-chlorophenol (5.0 g, 38.9 mmol) in dry THF (80 ml) under nitrogen cooled to 0° C. was added portionwise sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 1.71 g, 42.8 mmol). After stirring at 0° C. for 15 mins and room temperature for 30 mins, this mixture was added to a solution of 1,3dibromopropane (4 ml, 77.8 mmol) in THF (20 ml) under nitrogen cooled to 0° C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 mins and then heated at reflux for 5 hours. Saturated ammonium chloride solution (50 ml) was added and the mixture concentrated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (150 ml) and water (150 ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (150 ml), dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification was by flash chromatography on silica eluting with dichloromethane afforded the title compound as a clear oil (2.6 g, 30%).

[1157] TLC R_(f) 0.95 (dichloromethane).

[1158] Intermediate 182 Thioacetic acid S-[3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-propyl] ester

[1159] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 174 from intermediate 181 (2.55 g, 10.2 mmol). Purification by flash chromatography on silica eluting with dichloromethane afforded the title compound as a clear oil (1.5 g, 64%).

[1160] TLC R_(f) 0.60 (dichloromethane).

[1161] Intermediate 183 2-[3-(4Choro-phenoxy)-propane-1-sulfanylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid

[1162] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 155 from intermediate 182 (0.75 g, 3.22 mmol) and intermediate 49 (1.08 g, 3.22 mmol) as a clear oil (300 mg, 16%).

[1163] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1164] Intermediate 184 2-[3-(4-Choro-phenoxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid

[1165] Was prepared in a similar way to intermediate 166 from intermediate 183 (0.91 g, 2.0 mmol). Purification by flash chromatography on silica eluting with ethyl acetate afforded the title compound as a white solid (550 mg, 60%).

[1166] TLC R_(f) 0.20 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1167] Intermediate 185 (4-Mercapto-phenyl)-pyridin-4-yl-methanone

[1168] To a solution of 4-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-pyridine (50 g, 230 mmol) in N-methylpyrrolidine (400 ml) was added sodium thiolate (40 g, 230 mmol) and the mixture heated at 100° C. for 3 hours. The mixture was poured into water (100 ml), acidified to pH 5 with citric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (2×200 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (100 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a beige oil. This was dissolved in methanol (400 ml) and tributyl phosphine (40 ml) and water (100 ml) were added. The resulting yellow solution was stirred at room temperature for 30 mins. The methanol was removed in vacuo, the solution diluted with water (100 ml) and citric acid (20 g) added. The mixture was extracted with dichoromethane (2×100 ml) and the combined organic layers were extracted with sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (5×75 ml). The combined aqueous layers were carefully acidified with citric acid and the resulting solid collected by filtration. This was dried in vacuo to afford the title compound as a beige powder (24.2 g, 50%).

[1169] TLC R_(f) 0.2 (diethyl ether).

[1170] The following compound was prepared in a similar way to that described above:

[1171] Intermediate 186 (4-Mercapto-phenyl)-thiophen-2-yl-methanone

[1172] From 4-fluorophenyl-2-thienyl ketone (25 g, 121 mmol) as a beige powder (16.0 g, 60%).

[1173] Intermediate 187 4-(Tetrahydro-pyran-2-ylsulfanyl)-phenol

[1174] To a solution of 4-hydroxythiophenol (10 g, 79 mmol) and p-toluenesulphonic acid (100 mg) in dichloromethane (100 ml) was added dihydropyran (16.7 g, 19.8 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in THF (100 ml) and 0.5M sulphuric acid (20 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (200 ml) and washed with water (50 ml) and brine (50 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 25% diethyl ether in hexane afforded the title compound as a white solid (11.5 g, 66%).

[1175] TLC R_(f) 0.3 (25% diethyl ether/hexane)

[1176] Intermediate 188 4-[4-(Tetrahydro-pyran-2-ylsulfanyl)-phenoxymethyl]-pyridine

[1177] To a suspension of intermediate 186 (4.4 g, 20 mmol) and caesium carbonate (6.5 g, 20 mmol) in dry DMF (30 ml) under nitrogen was added 4-picolyl chloride (3.4 g, 20 mmol) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The mixture was poured into water (100 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (3×75 ml), washed with brine (75 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with ethyl acetate afforded the title compound as a colourless oil (3.5 g, 88%).

[1178] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (dietyl ether).

[1179] Intermediate 189 4-(Pyridin-4-ylmethoxy)-benzenthiol

[1180] A solution of intermediate 187 (3.0 g, 10 mmol) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (56 ml) was left standing at room temperature for 3 days. The mixture was diluted with water (200 ml) and washed with diethyl ether (3×100 ml). The aqueous layer was basified to pH7 with sodium hydroxide and sodium hydrogencarbonate and extracted with dichloromethane (2×200 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as a pale yellow solid.

[1181] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (ethyl acetate)

[1182] Intermediate 190 4-(Pyridin-4-yloxy)-benzenethiol

[1183] To a mixture of crushed ice (10 g) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (10 ml) was added portionwise 4-(pyridin-4yloxy)-phenylamine (10 g, 62 mmol). After cooling to 0° C. a solution of sodium nitrite (4.5 g, 65 mmol) in water (7.5 ml) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred at 0° C. for 30 mins before being added to a solution of potassium ethylxanthate (11.9 g, 0.074) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was allowed to stir at room temperature for 90 mins. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×50 ml) and the organic layers combined, washed with 10% sodium hydroxide solution (50 ml), washed with water (3×25 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a brown oil. This was dissolved in ethanol (50 ml) and potassium hydroxide (11 g) added slowly after which the mixture was heated at reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and to the residue was added water (60 ml). The aqueous layer was washed with MTBE (2×50 ml) and ethyl acetate (2×50 ml), acidified to pH 5 with acetic acid and extracted with MTBE (3×50 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (50 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as a brown oil (9.6 g, 97%).

[1184] TLC R_(f) 0.53 (ethyl acetate).

[1185] Intermediate 191 2-(4-(4-Pyridinoyl)phenylsulphonyl)methyl-5-(3,4,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic acid N-oxide

[1186] A solution of intermediate 185 (14 g, 65 mmol), intermediate 49 (20 g, 60 mmol) and triethylamine (20 ml, 140 mmol) in dry DMF (200 ml) under nitrogen was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was poured into water (600 ml), acidified with citric acid and extracted with dichloromethane (3×200 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (200 ml) and brine (200 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a brown oil. This was dissolved in methanol (400 ml), a solution of oxone (60 g, 100 mmol) m water (100 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was reduced to half its volume in vacuo, sodium acetate (30 g) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (4×100 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Trituration in ethyl acetate afforded the title compound as a white solid (13 g, 42%).

[1187] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1188] The following compounds were prepared in a similar way to that described above.

[1189] Intermediate 192 2-(4-(4-pyridinoyl)phenylsulphonyl)methyl-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1190] From intermediate 185 (2.2 g, 10 mmol) and intermediate 47 (2.9 g, 10 mmol) as a white powder (2.4 g, 52%).

[1191] TLC R_(f) 0.6 (9% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1192] Intermediate 193 2-(4-(2-thienoyl)phenylsulphonylmethyl)-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1193] From intermediate 186 (2.2 g, 10 mmol) and intermediate 47 (2.9 g, 10 mmol) as a white foam (2.9 g, 63%).

[1194] TLC R_(f) 0.40 (ethyl acetate).

[1195] Intermediate 194 2-(4-(4-Chlorobenzoyl)phenylthio)methyl-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1196] From (4-chloro-phenyl)-(4-mercapto-phenyl)-methanone (2.5 g, 10 mmol) and intermediate 47 (2.9 g, 10 mmol) as a white solid (3.4 g, 69%).

[1197] TLC R_(f) 0.35 (ethyl acetate).

[1198] Intermediate 195 2-(4-(4-Cyanophenoxy)phenylsulphonyl)methyl-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1199] From 4-(4-mercapto-phenoxy)-benzonitrile (0.60 g, 2.64 mmol) and intermediate 47 (0.78 g, 10 mmol) as a white powder (0.5 g, 40%).

[1200] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ethyl acetate).

[1201] Intermediate 196 2-(4-(4-Pyridylmethoxy)phenylsulphonyl)methyl-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1202] From intermediate 189 (0.70 g, 3.2 mmol) and intermediate 47 (0.94 g, 3.2 mmol) as a white solid (0.26 g, 18%).

[1203] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (7% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1204] Intermediate 197 2-(4-Phenoxyphenylsulphonyl)methyl-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1205] From 4-phenoxy-benzenethiol (1.87 g, 9.3 mmol) and intermediate 47 (2.7 g, 3.2 mmol) as white solid (3.5 g, 85%).

[1206] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (ethyl acetate).

[1207] Intermediate 198 2-(4-(3-Pyridyloxy)phenyl)sulphonylmethyl-5-succinimidopentanoic acid

[1208] From intermediate 190 (2.03 g, 10 mmol) and intermediate 47 (2.9 g, 10 mmol) as a beige solid (2.0 g, 45%).

[1209] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (10% methanol/dichloromethane with 1% acetic acid).

[1210] Intermediate 199 2-Phenyl-3-(thiophene-2-sulfonyl)-propionic acid

[1211] From 2-thiophene thiol (230 mg, 2 mmol) and 3-bromo-2-phenyl-propionic acid (460 mg, 2 mmol). Purification by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 66% diethyl ether in hexane with 1% acetic acid afforded the title compound as a white solid (35 mg, 6%).

[1212] TLC R_(f) 0.43 (66% diethyl ether/hexane with 1% acetic acid).

[1213] Intermediate 200 3-Methyl-2-(4-nitro-phenylsulfanylmethyl)-butyric acid

[1214] A solution of 4-nitrophenol (1.0 g, 6.5 mmol), 2-bromomethyl-3-methyl-butyric acid (1.26 g, 6.5 mmol) and triethylamine (20 ml, 140 mmol) in dry DMF (200 ml) under nitrogen was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was poured into water (30 ml), washed with ethyl acetate (2×30 ml), acidified with citric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×75 ml). The combined organic layers were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give an off-white solid (1.82 g, quantitative).

[1215] TLC R_(f) 0.48 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1216] Intermediate 201 2-(4-Amino-phenylsulfanylmethyl)-3-methyl-butyric acid

[1217] To a solution of intermediate 200 (700 mg, 2.6 mmol) in ethanol (30 ml) was added 10% palladium on activated charcoal and the mixture stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen gas for 18 hours. The mixture was filtered through celite and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as an off-white solid (715 mg, quantitative).

[1218] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1219] Intermediate 202 3-Methyl-2-(4-ureidobezenesulanylmethyl)-butyric acid

[1220] To a solution of intermediate 201 (300 mg. 1.25 mmol) in acetic acid (5 ml) was added a solution of potassium cyanate (0.51 g, 6.28 mmol) in water (8 ml) and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as an off-white solid (350 mg, quantitative).

[1221] MS 283 (M+1)⁺

EXAMPLE 100

[1222] 2-((4-Benzyloxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1223] A solution of intermediate 146 (0.17 g) in TFA (10 ml) and dichloromethane (10 ml) was stirred overnight and the evaporated in vacuo. The residue was azeotroped with toluene, then purified by flash column chromatography, eluting with 7% MeOH/dichloromethane, to give the title compound as colourless solid (0.06 g, 40%).

[1224] TLC R_(f) 0.45 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1225] MS 453 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 101

[1226] 2-(4-(1-Methyleth-1-yloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1227] From intermediate 147 (0.35 g) as white solid (0.20 g, 48%).

[1228] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1229] MS 405 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 102

[1230] 2-((4-Butyloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1231] From intermediate 148 (0.40 g) as white solid (0.20 g, 45%).

[1232] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1233] MS 419 (M⁺)

EXAMPLE 103

[1234] 2-((4-Cyclopentyloxyphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1235] From intermediate 149 (0.40 g), as white solid (0.15 g, 33%).

[1236] TLC R_(f) 0.30 (5% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1237] MS 431 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 104

[1238] 2-(4-(4-Cyanobenzyloxy)phenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenyl-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1239] From intermediate 150 (0.25 g) as white solid (0.265 g, 100%).

[1240] TLC R_(f) 0.25 (6% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1241] MS 469 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 105

[1242] 2-((4-(1-Hydroxy-1-phenylmethyl)phenyl)sulfonyl-methyl)-5-phenylpentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide

[1243] Sodium borohydride (0.38 g) was added to a solution of example 58 (0.45 g) in MeOH (100 ml) and the solution was stirred for 2 h, then evaporated and the residue dissolved in water, acidified with citric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried and evaporated to give the crude product, which was purified by column chromatography, eluting with 7% MeOH in dichloromethane to give the title compound (0.43 g, 95%) as white solid.

[1244] TLC R_(f) 0.53 (7% MeOH/dichloromethane).

[1245] MS 454 (M⁺).

EXAMPLE 106

[1246] 2-(Pyrid-4-ylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phenylpentananoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide Hydrochloride

[1247] Example 60 was dissolved in dichloromethane and treated with excess 1M HCl in diethyl ether and then evaporated to give the title compound (0.20 g) as a pale yellow solid.

EXAMPLE 107

[1248] 4-[4-(Methoxycarbonyl)methoxy-3,5-dimethyphenyl]-2-methyl-1(2H)phthalazinone

[1249] Intermediate 60 (1.40 g) was added to a suspension of sodium hydride (0.24 g) in DMF (30 ml) at 0° C. After stirring for 30 min, methyl bromoacetate (1.15 g) was added and the mixture stirred for 18 h. Water (90 ml) was added and the result precipitate was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to provide the title compound as a white solid (1.54 g)

[1250] MS 353 MH⁺

EXAMPLE 108

[1251] 4-[4-(Carboxy)methoxy-3,5-dimethyphenyl]-2-methyl-1(2H)phthalazinone

[1252] Lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.22 g) was added to a solution of example 107 (1.52 g) in aqueous tetrahydrofuran (1:150 ml) and the reaction stirred 18 h. the mixture was the concentrated in vacuo and the residual slurry acidified with 10% hydrochloric acid.

[1253] The resulting precipitate was collected to give the title compound as a white solid (1.36 g).

[1254] MS 338MH⁺

EXAMPLE 109

[1255] 4-[4-(Hydroxyaminocarbonyl)methoxy-3,5-dimethyphenyl]-2-methyl-1(2H)phthalazinone

[1256] A solution of example 108 (1.15 g) in dichloromethane (30 ml) at 0° C. was treated with triethylamine (0.52 g) followed by isopropenyl chloroformate (0.41 g), and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. O-tert-butyldimethylsilylhydroxylamine (0.50 g) was then added and the mixture was stirred for a further 18 h. The reaction mixture was washed with 10% citric acid (20 ml), saturated sodium bicarbonate (20 ml) and the concentrated to dryness in vacuo. A solution of the residual solid in tetrahydrofuran (30 ml) and water (5 ml) was then treated with a 1.0 M solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in tetrahydrofuran (1 ml) and stirred 1 h. the resultant crude mixture was concentrated on to silica and purified by chromatography, eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane, to provide the title compound as a white solid (0.10 g).

[1257] R_(f)0.18 (5% methanol in dichloromethane)

EXAMPLE 110

[1258] 2-(3-Phenoxy-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl)-N-hydroxy-3-methyl-butyramide

[1259] To a solution/suspension of intermediate 166 (543 mg, 1.7 mmol) in dichloromethane (15 ml) under nitrogen was added DMF (3 drops) followed by oxalyl chloride (0.15 ml, 1.7 mmol) dropwise. After string at room temperature for 60 mins, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in THF (15 ml), a solution of hydroxylamine added slowly (50% in water, 4 ml) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 60 mins. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (25 ml) and water (25 ml). The organic layer was washed with water (25 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as a white solid (470 mg, 83%).

[1260] TLC R_(f)0.51 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1261] MS 330 (M+1)⁺

[1262] The following compounds were prepared in a similar way to that described above.

EXAMPLE 111

[1263] 2-[3-(4Chloro-phenoxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-N-hydroxy-3methyl-butyramide

[1264] From intermediate 167 (689 mg, 1.98 mmol) as a white solid (654 mg, 91%).

[1265] TLC R_(f)0.64 (ethyl acetate).

[1266] MS364M⁺

EXAMPLE 112

[1267] N-Hydroxy-2-[3(4methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-3-methyl-butyramide

[1268] From intermediate 169 (240 mg, 0.76 mmol). Purification by flash column chromatography afforded the title compound as a clear gum (180 mg, 72%).

[1269] TLC R_(f)0.38 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1270] MS 380 M⁺

EXAMPLE 113

[1271] N-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-[3-(4-phenyl-cyclohexyloxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-butyramide

[1272] From intermediate 170 (116 mg, 0.3 mmol) as a clear gum (62 mg, 51%).

[1273] TLC R_(f)0.44 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1274] MS 412 M⁺

EXAMPLE 114

[1275] 2-(1-Oxy-pyridine-4-sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid hydroxyamide

[1276] From intermediate 172 (60 mg 0.15 mmol). Purification by flash chromatography on silica eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethne afforded the title compound as a clear oil (35 mg, 54%). TLC R_(f)0.16 (5% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1277] MS 430 (M+1)⁺

EXAMPLE 115

[1278] 2-[3-(4-Methoxy-cyclohexylmethoxy)-propylsulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-diazo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid hydroxyamide

[1279] From intermediate 179 (166 mg, 0.35 mmol) as a clear oil (25 mg, 14%).

[1280] TLC R_(f)0.14 (ethyl acetate).

[1281] MS 520 M⁺

EXAMPLE 116

[1282] 2-[3-(4Phenyl-cyclohexyloloxy)-propylsulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid hydroxyamide

[1283] From intermediate 180 (418 mg, 0.78 mmol) as a yellow oil (374 mg, 87%).

[1284] TLC R_(f)0.17 (ethyl acetate).

[1285] MS 552 M⁺

EXAMPLE 117

[1286] N-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-[3-pyridin-3-yloxy)-propane-1-sulfonylmethyl]-butyramide

[1287] To a suspension of intermediate 168 (90 mg, 0.28 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (5 ml) under nitrogen was added 1,3-dimethylaminopropyl-3-ethylcarbodiimide (66 mg, 0.34 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 5 mins, tert-butyldimethylsilyl hydroxylamine (50 mg, 0.34 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (3 mg) were added and the mixture stirred for a further 2 hours. The mixture was washed with water (20 ml) and sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (20 ml), the organic layer was separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was redissolved in dichloromethane (5 ml) and a solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1.0M in THF, 0.28 ml, 0.28 mmol) added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 mins. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residues purified by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 5% methanol in dichloromethane to give the title compound as a white solid (48 mg, 51%).

[1288] TLC R_(f)0.20 (10% methanol/dichloromethane).

[1289] MS 331 (M+1)⁺

EXAMPLE 118

[1290] 2-[3-(4-Chloro-phenoxy)-propane-sulfonylmethyl]-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)-pentanoic acid hydroxyamide

[1291] To a suspension of intermediate 184 (550 mg, 1.1 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (30 ml) under nitrogen was added 1,3-dimethylaminopropyl-3-ethylcarbodiimide (324 mg, 1.7 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 15 mins, tert-butyldimethylsilyl hydroxylamine (165 mg, 1.1 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred for a further 2 hours. The mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane (100 ml) and water (100 ml). The organic layer was washed with sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (100 ml), washed with brine (100 ml), separated, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was triturated in hexane to give a sticky solid. This was dissolved in chloroform (15 ml) and a solution of hydrogen chloride (1.0M in diethyl ether, 2 ml) added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 45 mins. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue triturated in diethyl ether to give the title compound as a white solid.

[1292] TLC R_(f)0.10 (5% methanol in dichloromethane).

[1293] MS 504 M⁺

Example A

[1294] Collagenase Inhibition Activity

[1295] The potency of compounds of general formula (I) to act as inhibitors of collagenase was determined by the procedure of Cawston and Barrett, (Anal. Biochem, 9:340-345, 1979) whereby a 1 mM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof was incubated at 37° C. for 16 hours with collagen and collagenase (buffered with 50 mM Tris, pH 7.6 containing 5 mM CaCl₂, 0.05% Brij 35, 60 mM NaCl and 0.02% NaN₃). The collagen was acetylated ³H or ¹⁴C-collagen prepared by the method of Cawston and Murphy (Methods in Enzymolgy, 80:711, 1981). The choice of radiolabel did not alter the ability of collagenase to degrade the collagen substrate. The samples were centrifuged to sediment undigested collagen and an aliquot of the radioactive supernatant removed for assay on a scintillation counter as a measure of hydrolysis. The collagenase activity in the presence of 1 mM inhibitor, or a dilution thereof, was compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and the results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the collagenase (IC₅₀).

Example B

[1296] Stromelysin Inhibition Activity

[1297] The potency of compounds of general formula (I) to act as inhibitors of stromelysin was determined using the procedure of Nagase et al (Methods in Enzymology Vol 254, 1994), whereby a 0.1 mM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof was incubated at 37° C. for 16 hours with stromelysin and ³H transferrin (buffered with 50 mM Tris, pH 7.6 containing 10 mM CaCl₂, 150M NaCl, 0.05% Brij, 35, and 0.02% NaN₃). The transferrin was carboxymethylated with ³H iodoacetic acid. The stromes activity in the presence of 1mM, or a dilution thereof, was compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and the results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the stromelysin (IC₅₀)

Example C

[1298] Gelatinase Inhibition Activity

[1299] The potency of the compounds of general formula (I) to act as inhibitors of gelatinase was determined using the procedure of Harris & Krane (Biochem Biophys. Acta, 258:566-576, 1972), whereby a 1 mM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof was incubated at 37° C. for 16 hours with gelatinase and heat denatured ³H or ¹⁴C-acetylated collagen (buffered with 50 mM Tris, pH 7.6 containing 5 mM CaCl₂, 0.05% Brij 35 and 0.02% NaN₃). The ³H or ¹⁴C gelatin was prepared by denaturing ³H or ¹⁴C-collagen produced according to the method of Cawston and Murphy (Methods in Enzymology, 80;711, 1981) by incubation at 60° C. for 30 minutes. Undigested gelatin was precipitated by addition of trichloroacetic acid and centrifugation. The gelatinase activity in the presence of 1 mM, or dilution thereof, was compared to the activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the gelatinase (IC₅₀).

Example D

[1300] MMP Inhibition Activity-Fluorimetic Assay

[1301] The potency of compounds of general formula (I) to act as inhibitors of collagenase-1(MMP-1), collagenase-2 (MMP-8), collagenase-3 (MMP-13), gelatinase-A (MMP-2), gelatinase-B (MMP-9) and stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) was determined using the following procedure:

[1302] Inhibitors are dissolved in dimethysulphoxide containing 0.02% β-mercaptoethanol and serial dilutions are prepared. Activated enzyme is incubated in assay buffer containing 500M Tris, pH 7.4, 5 mM CaCl_(2,) 0.002% NaN₃ and Brij 35 in the presence and absence of inhibitor. Samples are preincubated at 37° C. for 15 minutes before the addition of the fluorimetric substrate (Mca-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-Dpa-Ala-Arg-NH₂) to a final concentration of 10 μM. The assay is incubated for 20-30 min at 37° C. and then read in a Fluoroscan II at λ_(cm) (340 nm) and λ_(cm) (405 nm).

[1303] The enzyme activity was compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and the results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the stromelysin (IC₅₀).

Example E

[1304] Inhibition of TNF α Production

[1305] The potency of the compounds of general formula (I) to act as inhibitors of the production of TNF α is determined using the following procedure. A 100 μM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof is incubated at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ with TFP-1 cells (human monocytes) suspended in RPM1 1640 medium and 20 μM β-mercaptoethanol at a cell density of 1×10⁶/ml and stimulated with LPS. After 18 hours the supernatant is assayed for the levels of TNF α using a commercially available ELISA kit (R & D Systems).

[1306] The activity in the presence of 0.1 mM inhibitor or dilutions thereof is compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the production of TNFα.

Example F

[1307] Inhibition of L-Selectin Shedding

[1308] Compounds of general formula (I) are evaluated in an assay of L-selectin shedding by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC are isolated from buffy coats by standard procedures using Ficoll. A 100 μM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof is incubated for 20 min at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ with 4×10⁶/ml PBMC stimulated with PMA. The cells are centrifuged down and the supernatants tested for sL-selectin un a commercially available ELISA kit (R & D Systems).

[1309] The activity in the presence of 100 μM inhibitor or dilutions thereof was compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the shedding of L-selectin.

Example G

[1310] Inhibition of sIl-1RII Shedding

[1311] Compounds of general formula (I) are evaluated in an assay of sIl-1RII shedding by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC are isolated from buffy coats by standard procedures using Ficoll. A 100 μM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof are incubated for 18 h at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ with 2×10⁶/ml PBMC stimulated with Il-13. The cells are centrifuged down and the supernatants tested for sIl-1RII using a commercially available ELISA kit (R & D Systems).

[1312] The activity in the presence of 100 μM inhibitor or dilutions thereof is compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the shedding of sIl-1RII.

Example H

[1313] Inhibition of Il-6R Shedding

[1314] Compounds of general formula (I) are evaluated in an assay of sIl-6R shedding by HL-60 cells. PBMC are isolated from b coats by standard procedures using Ficoll. A 100 μM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof is incubated or 24 h at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ with 2×10⁶/ml HL-60 cells stimulated with PMA. The cells are centrifuged down and the supernatants tested for sIl-6R using a commercially available ELISA kit (R & D Systems).

[1315] The activity in the presence of 100 82 M inhibitor or dilutions thereof is compared to activity in a control devoid of inhibitor and results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the shedding of Il-6R.

Example I

[1316] Inhibition of TNF RII Shedding

[1317] The potency of the compounds of general formula (I) to act as inhibitors of the shedding of TNF RII is determined using the following procedure. A 100 μM solution of the inhibitor being tested or dilutions thereof are incubated at 37° C. in an atmosphere of 5% CO₂ with THP-1 cells (human monocytes) suspended in RPM1 1640 medium and 20 μM β-mercaptoethanol at a cell density of 1×10⁶/ml and stimulated with LPS. After 18 hours the supernatant is assayed for the levels of sTNF RII using a commercially available ELISA it (R & D Systems).

[1318] The activity in the presence of 0.1 mM inhibitor or dilutions thereof is compared to act in a control devoid of inhibitor and results reported as that inhibitor concentration effecting 50% inhibition of the shedding of TNF RII.

Example J

[1319] Adjuvant Arthritic Rat Model

[1320] Compounds of general formula (I) were evaluated in an adjuvant arthritis model in the rat based on the methods employed by B. B. Newbould (1963), Br. J. Pharmacol, 21, 127-136 and C. M. Pearson and F. D. Wood (1959), Arthritis R 2, 440-459. Briefly male Wistar rats (180-200 g) were injected at the base of the tail with Freund's adjuvant. Twelve days later the responding animals were randomised into experimental groups. Compounds of general formula (I) were dosed either orally as a suspension in 1% methyl cellulose or intrapentoieally in 0.2% carboxymethylcellulose from day 12 to the end of the experiment on day 22. Hind paw volumes were measured evey two days from day 12 onwards and X-rays were taken of the hind feet on completion of the experiment. Results were expressed as the percent increase of foot volume over day 12 values.

Example K

[1321] Mouse Ovarian Carcinoma Xenograft Model

[1322] Compounds of general formula (I) were evaluated in an ovarian carcinoma xenograft model of cancer, based on that described by B. Davies et al (1993), Cancer Research, 53, 2087-2091 This model, in brief, consists of inoculating female nu/nu mice with 1×10⁹ OVCAR3-icr cells into the peritoneal cavity. Compounds of general formula (I) are administered by the oral route as a suspension in 1% methyl cellulose or intraperitoneally as a suspension in phosphate buffered saline in 0.01% Tween-20. At the conclusion of the experiment (4-5 weeks) the number of peritoneal cells are counted and any solid tumour deposits weighed. In some experiments tumour development is monitored by measurement of tumour specific antigens.

Example L

[1323] Rat Mammary Carcinoma Model

[1324] Compounds of general formula (I) were evaluated in a HOSP.1 rat mammary carcinoma model of cancer (S. Eccles et al (1995), Cancer Research, in press). This model consists of the intravenous inoculation of female CBH/cbi rats with 2×10⁴ tumour cells into the jugular vein. Compounds of general formula (I) are administered by the oral route as a suspension in 1% methyl cellulose or intraperitoneally as a suspension in phosphate buffered saline +0.01% Tween-20. At the conclusion of the experiment (4-5 weeks) the animals are killed, the lungs are removed and individual tumours counted after 20 hours fixation in Methacarn.

Example M

[1325] Mouse B16 Melanoma Model

[1326] The anti-metastatic potential of compounds of general formula (I) is evaluated in a B16 melanoma model in C57BL/6. Mice are injected intravenously with 2×10⁵ B16/F10 murine tumour cells harvested from in vitro cultures. Inhibitors are administered by the oral route as a suspension in 1% methyl cellulose or intraperitoneally as a suspension in phosphate buffered saline pH7.2+0.01% Tween-20. Mice are killed 14 days after cell inoculation and the lungs removed and weighed prior to fixing in Bouin's solution. The number of colonies present on the surface of each set of lungs is then counted by eye. 

We claim:
 1. A compound of formula (Ic) B—SO₂—CH₂—CHR¹—CO—NHOH   (Ic) wherein R¹ is C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted with R⁹; B is aryl or heteroaryl, either of which is optionally substituted by a substituent selected from R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁵, aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), aryl-C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, heteroaryl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heteroaryl-C₁₋₆ alkyl-R⁵, cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused cycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), benzofused heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted with R⁵), and the groups:

R² is H or C₁₋₆ alkyl; R⁵ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₂₋₆ alkenyl-R⁷, halogen, CN, NO₂, N(R⁶)₂, OR⁶, COR⁶, CO₂R², CON(R⁶)₂, NR⁶R⁷, S(O)₀₋₂R⁸ or SO₂N(R⁶)₂; R⁶ is H or a group selected from C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl and C₁₋₆ alkyl-heterocycloalkyl, wherein said group is optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂, and for each case of N(R⁶)₂ the R⁶ groups are the same or different or N(R⁶)₂ is heterocycloalkyl optionally substituted with R⁸, COR⁸, SO₀₋₂R⁸, CO₂R⁸, OR⁸, CONR²R⁸, NR²R⁸, halogen, CN, SO₂NR²R⁸ or NO₂; R⁷ is COR⁶, CON(R⁶)₂, CO₂R⁸ or SO₂R⁸; R⁸ is C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl; and R⁹ is phthalimido, succinimido or the group:

or an N-oxide, salt, solvate, hydrate, protected amino or protected carboxy derivative thereof.
 2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is ethyl or propyl.
 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R² is methyl.
 4. The compound according to claim 1, wherein B is optionally substituted phenyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl or pyridyl-N-oxide.
 5. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R⁵ is OR⁶ or COR⁶.
 6. The compound according to claim 5, wherein R⁶ is optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl, C₁₋₆ alkyl-aryl, heteroaryl or C₁₋₆ alkyl-heteroaryl.
 7. The compound according to claim 6, wherein R⁶ is optionally substituted methyl, phenyl, furanyl, thiophenyl, pyridyl, pyridyl-N-oxide, methyl-pyridyl, ethyl-pyridyl, methyl-furanyl, ethyl-furanyl, methyl-thiophenyl or ethyl-thiophenyl.
 8. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R⁶ is substituted with R⁸, OR⁸, F, Cl, Br, I or CN.
 9. The compound according to claim 8, wherein R⁶ is substituted with phenyl, OCH₃ or Cl.
 10. The compound according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of: 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-phthalimido-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-4-phthalimido-butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-succinimido-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-(4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-5-succinimido-pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-(4-Methoxyphenylsulfonylmethyl)-4-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-((4-Trifluoromethoxyphenylsulfonyl)methyl)-5-(1,5,5-trimethylhydantoin-3-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-(4-benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl-4-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)butanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-((4-Benzoylphenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-((4-(4-Pyridinoyl)phenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; 2-((4-(2-Thienoyl)phenyl)sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,3,4-trimethylhydantoin-1-yl)pentanoic Acid N-Hydroxy Amide; and 2-(1-Oxy-pyridine-4-sulfonylmethyl)-5-(3,4,4-trimethyl-2,5-dioxo-imidazolidin-1-yl)pentanoic acid hydroxyamide.
 11. A method for the treatment or prevention of a condition associated with matrix metalloproteinases or that is mediated by TNF α or enzymes involved in the shedding of L-selectin, the TNF receptors or IL-6 receptors, which comprises administration of a compound of claim 1 to a patient in need thereof.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of cancer, inflammation and inflammatory diseases, tissue degeneration, periodontal disease, ophthalmological disease, dermatological disorders, fever, cardiovascular effects, haemorrhage, coagulation and acute phase response, cachexia, anorexia, acute infection, HIV infection, shock states, graft versus host reactions, autoimmune disease, reperfusion injury, meningitis, migraine, and aspirin-independent anti-thrombosis.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of tumour growth, angiogenesis, tumour invasion and spread, metastases, malignant ascites, and malignant pleural effusion.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of cerebral ischaemia, ischaemic heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, neurodegeneration, Alzheimer's, atherosclerosis, stroke, vasculitis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
 15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of corneal ulceration, retinopathy, and surgical wound healing.
 16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, chronic ulcers, and epidermolysis bullosa.
 17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of periodontitis, and gingivitis.
 18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, eczema, and anaphylaxis.
 19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of restenosis, congestive heart failure, endometriosis, atherosclerosis, and endosclerosis. 